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Board members and former teammates of Toovey – Mal Cochrane, Darrell Williams and Cliffy Lyons – called the axing a ‘sad day’ in the club’s history and a ‘bewildering’ decision.
The football club board was powerless to halt Toovey’s sacking, with owners Rick and Scott Penn free to make the call without consultation.
“It’s a sad day when an icon of our great club - which next year celebrates its 70th year in the competition - is told he is unwanted as the coach despite being under contract until the end of 2016,” the board members said in a statement.
“It is bewildering to anyone who follows the game that a coach who during his tenure has taken his team to every final, including a grand final, and currently sits just two wins outside the top eight should be treated in this manner.
“His position as coach was undermined even before the season began and continued relentlessly throughout the entire 2015 season. He has not been treated with the respect he has earned and deserves.
“Geoff Toovey is a Life Member of the Manly-Warringah Rugby League Football Club.
“His service and loyalty to our club, including his time as coach, speaks for itself.
As a player:
· 286 first grade games, 1988-2001
· Club Captain, 1993-2001
· Clive Churchill medal winner, 1996
· Australian Captain, 1996
· NSW State of Origin representative, 1990-2000
As Coach
· 2012 – Preliminary Final
· 2013 – Grand Final
· 2014 – Semi Final
“Despite today’s announcement, Geoff Toovey will always remain an icon of our club,” the statement concluded.