The Redlegs announced last week that senior coach Mick Galvin had stepped down from the top job due to personal reasons.
Galvin spent two years in the role and had recommitted for the 2021 season earlier this year.
Longwood now finds itself hunting for a new coach.
“It certainly isn't ideal timing and it's a bitter pill to swallow,” club president Ricki Shiner said.
“Galvo (Galvin) has had some personal issues and he felt he couldn't fully commit to the role of senior coach.
“He felt that it was in the best interests of the club if he stepped aside now, rather than try and work through and then step down early next year. We fully respect his decision and we wish him all the best.”
Galvin's departure is a blow for the Kyabram District League outfit, which has worked tirelessly over the past five years.
Longwood, which had been struggling financially, is now in a strong position off the field.
“The club has a really healthy environment, we are just after that final piece to the puzzle,” Shiner said.
“Everyone has dug deep and worked hard to get the club in the position it's in today. All we need is someone from the outside to believe in what the club is doing.
“We started this process in 2015 and when Galvo joined the club in 2019 he came in with a passion to galvanise the group and he did that.”
Shiner said Longwood had already begun searching for its next mentor.
“We have started to speak to a couple of names already, hopefully we can lock in somebody quickly,” he said.
“We are happy to speak to everyone and anyone. We just want to have that clear direction for our players as summer rolls around."
● Anyone interested in the senior coaching position is urged to contact the club.
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