Launceston City coach Roger Hardwicke has resigned his post just three weeks before the NPL TAS season starts leaving City without a man at the helm. Hardwicke’s departure completes a disappointing 12 months with City only managing a Lakoseljac Cup semi-final run and wooden spooners in the NPL. Former retired coach Lino Sciulli will return to the caper as City look to get any kind of rebuild going.
City released a press statement this morning.
“It is with sadness we announce the resignation of our head coach, Roger Hardwicke, who has had to step aside due to work commitments. We wish to acknowledge the hard work, dedication & commitment by Roger over the past 18 months.
“Whilst there is no doubt he has left a big hole to fill we wish him all the best for the future.Lino Sciulli has been elevated to interim coach and will be assisted by Robert Murray & Darren Cooke.Launceston City are seeking Expressions of Interest for Head NPL Coach by 12/3/21 – applications welcomed by all interested parties.
Hardwicke previously joined from Queensland where he was mainly based on the Sunshine Coast as player/coaching. Winning a number of premierships in his playing days before making the move into coaching where he had a successful run with Kawana Football Club, changing the club from mid-table sturgglers back to being title contenders and winning the league in 2012. Before coming to city he coached NPL QLD’s Sunshine Coast Fire.
Hardwicke took over Sciulli after a disappointing 2019 campaign finishing 7th and looked to build some potential success.
Speaking last year, Launceston City President Danny Linger said he was excited to announce the appointment and was confident he was the right man for the job.
โRoger has developed a sound football philosophy that has been successfully applied at all the clubs he has been
associated with.
We welcome Roger into our football family and look forward to season 2020 as our preparations begin in
earnest.
We are confident Roger and his family will not only feel welcome at Launceston City but embrace our beautiful state and relaxed lifestyle for years to come.โ
It’s safe to say that didn’t turn out well. Lino Sciulli has been appointed interim coach and will have his assistants Robert Murray & Darren Cooke close by. But where does it leave City? Time will tell us all.
