The Illawarra Premier League season has had its first coaching casualty after Cringila Lions coach Wally Savor chose to quit the club during the week.
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Savor informed the club of his decision to leave effective immediately on Tuesday to pursue a deal with NSW National Premier League 2 outfit St George Saints.
Saints lost coach Terry Palapanis earlier this month and have been on the lookout for a replacement.
A deal was done within 48 hours to sign Savor.
He insists he had a positive experience in the Illawarra Premier League, but felt the role in the NPL was too good to refuse.
“It all happened very quickly,” he said.
“I told the committee on Tuesday around lunch time that I had accepted the deal to go up there.
“There is nothing untoward. It’s all about the fact I live in Sydney, about 15 minutes from St George instead of the hour drive to Wollongong.
“It’s also a higher league and I am no different to any player or coach. It was an opportunity I wanted to take.
“I did enjoy my time at the club.”
Cringila have narrowed down a replacement for Savor to a handful of candidates and hope to make a decision before Saturday’s testing road encounter against Wollongong Olympic at PCYC.
The club has had no ill feelings towards Savor.
“He has been fantastic for the club, created a great culture and we wish him all the best,” a club spokeperson said.
Cringila welcomed Savor as the coach in October, 2016.
The Lions finished ninth in his first season in charge, but had have a promising start to their 2018 campaign.
They are fifth in the league after five rounds and chalked up a valuable 3-1 win over Woonona Sharks last weekend.
Savor was comfortable with the position he was leaving the club in.
“When I arrived the club had lost a bit of direction but I feel the ship has been steadied,” he said.
“It took a season to steady, but I think the club has taken big strides to start this season to get back to where they want to be.
“They’re in a good position to continue that. Of course it is a matter of picking the right person for the job.”
Savor will waste little time return to the Illawarra despite his new appointment.
The new Saints coach will face off against IPL heavyweights Bulli in round five of the FFA Cup next Wednesday night at Balls Paddock.
“That is one thing, I will know a bit about them,” Savor said.
“They have given Cringila a dust ups last season so I am looking forward to coming down with St George to hopefully turn that around.
“It will be a good game.
“I am under no illusions that we are just going to come down and progress. I will be taking my strongest side.”
Savor will be in charge of St George for away game against Mounties Wanderers on Saturday.
Meanwhile, South Coast Flame FC drew 3-3 with FC Gazy Auburn on Wednesday.