An internal review of club operations has prompted the Gold Coast Suns to part ways with inaugural coach Guy McKenna a full season before his contract was set to expire.
An extensive two-week review of the club’s leadership and football department ended Wednesday with the firing of McKenna, sparking speculation the Suns are on the verge of signing 2014 Essendon interim coach Mark Thompson to take over the team.
Suns chairman John Witheriff denied the rumours, saying the club had not made contact with the two-time premiership coach.
“I haven’t spoken to Bomber Thompson, there has been no-one from the Gold Coast Suns speak to Bomber Thompson,” he said.
McKenna admitted the decision didn’t come as a shock after failing to guide the Suns to a maiden finals appearance following a strong start to the season. After an injury to captain Gary Ablett in round 16, the team slumped to a 1-6 finish and fell out of a hotly contest run for the final two spots in the AFL’s top eight.
“I’m not a fool but ultimately I’m certainly the supreme optimist,” McKenna said.
“It wasn’t a complete shock. It wasn’t as though it took me out of the blue. Footy is a brutal industry. I get that.”
McKenna said he was not provided with specific reasoning as to why the club opted to terminate his contract.
“In the board and the chairman’s view, I’m not that person to take us forward,” he added.
“I’m certainly disappointed with that result of course because I think I am and unfortunately, I don’t get an opportunity to prove the board wrong.
“There was no real specifics outlined. My reading of it, my understanding of it, is they think that who I am as a person, is not the right person to take us forward.
McKenna coached Gold Coast in 88 games over four seasons and six years at the club, leading the expansion side to a 24 wins over the course of his tenure.
Photo: Matt Roberts/Getty Images
