Port offers Williams new deal
30/06/2009 12:32 PM
Port Adelaide has finally made a contract offer to premiership coach Mark Williams, ending a bizarre 24 hours at Alberton.
Williams' future at the club had been the subject of debate for much of the season, with the Power struggling both on and off the field and coaching positions opening up at Richmond at North Melbourne.
Williams' contract was discussed at a board meeting on Monday, which lasted over five hours, before the two-year extension offer was finally put to Williams on Tuesday. A clause in Williams’ current contract required the club to give him an indication of his coaching future by June 30.
"We are entering a negotiation period and that negotiation will be conducted in good faith and be confidential," Port Adelaide president Brett Duncanson said.
"Mark Williams has an outstanding coaching record and is a proven teacher of young players," Duncanson said. "He is highly respected at this club and in the football community."
"At the end of 2006 the club put in place a five-year plan and we are halfway through that period. Mark deserves an opportunity to see that plan through."
“We have turned over our list by 50 percent over the last three years, including 12 new arrivals this year. At the same time as we are developing our list - and we know there will be ups and downs with that - we are still a very good chance to play finals."
"That will be the on-field focus for the remainder of 2009, beginning with an enormous match this week against the Brisbane Lions at AAMI Stadium."