Auckland’s Northern Rovers have announced the club’s director of football, Paul Gothard, will leave to take up a position with the Philippines National Football Association.
Gothard (49) was to have gone full-time in the director of football role, opening the way for the club to replace him as head coach of the men’s first team.
But the club says it can’t compete with the offer from the Philippines.
READ MORE: Northern Rovers looking for first team coach after Gothard takes new role >>>>
Former Glenfield Rovers head coach Daniel Donegan (42) has since been appointed to lead Northern Rovers in next year’s Lotto NRFL Men’s Championship.
READ MORE: Northern Rovers appoint Daniel Donegan as men’s head coach for next season >>>>
Gothard joined Northern Rovers in May 2022 after being the head goalkeeper coach for the Wellington Phoenix.
READ MORE: Paul Gothard ends role with Phoenix to complete move to Northern Rovers >>>>
Rovers’ statement in full
The following is the full statement released by Northern Rovers on Monday January 22, 2024:
“Recently we announced Paul Gothard (Goffy) was to become Full time in the Director of Football (D.O.F) role and that Goffy would step away from coaching the men’s premier team to allow him to focus solely on the D.O.F Role.
“Unfortunately, Goffy has received an offer from the Philippines National Football Association, that Northern Rovers is unable to compete with on a number of fronts.
“In order that the club is able to maintain some continuity, Goffy has agreed to stay on until April 1st to allow a smooth transition to a new D.O.F.
“Whilst he will be out of the country for all of February he will be accessible via e-mail during that time.
“Goffy will also assist with TDP and Junior team formations during March when he is back in NZ.
“We are disappointed to lose Goffy and his talents, but we have certainly made considerable progress during the last two years under his guidance and we wish him every success on the footballing road ahead.
“Details of Goffy’s replacement will be announced in due course.”
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