Farrer League
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TEMORA has made the shock decision to part ways with the man who brought the club from zero to hero and delivered consecutive Farrer League premierships.
Mark Kruger sat down with the Kangaroos committee on Thursday night and was told his coaching services will not be required past the current season.
It ends a three-year relationship with Temora.
After arriving at the club in November 2011, Kruger took the Roos from the bottom of the competition to their first flag in 52 years.
He went on to lead them to premierships in 2012 and 2013, and is currently shooting for three in a row as Temora sits second on the ladder one week out from finals.
He told The Daily Advertiser a fortnight ago he wouldn't be making a decision on his future until after the current season.
But Temora's committee made the decision for him.
Kruger admitted he had been partially blindsided by Thursday's announcement.
But he denied any talk of ill-feeling between coach and club.
"It definitely came as a bit of a shock, I won't deny that," Kruger said.
"But I knew the process was happening...I actually promoted to the club three of four weeks ago that they should pursue any avenues they wanted to pursue.
"Some members of the committee were of the opinion four years would be too long.
"I'm disappointed, and I don't necessarily agree with it...(but) I'm in total support of their decision.
"I'm disappointed, and I don't necessarily agree with it...(but) I'm in total support of their decision."
- Mark Kruger
"I've said from the very beginning that it's the club ahead of the players, ahead of myself and any individuals.
"All I want is what's best for the footy club and if that's what the committee thinks is best then I'll back them 100 per cent."
Kruger revealed he and his fiance had only recently made the decision to stay in Temora, having built a house in the town.
Kruger said he will "definitely not" remain at the club as a player and has now put himself on the market to coach another football club in 2015.
He conceded a job at a Riverina Football League club is very much on the cards if he is made an offer.
He will also consider a move home to South Australia or possibly Victoria.
"I've invested so much time and energy into Temora over the past three years that I really want to take my time and discuss it with my fiance before making any decision," Kruger said.
The club issued a media release Friday afternoon to explain its decision not to extend Kruger's contract.
"We had a three-year plan and Mark has certainly over achieved," the release read.
"We had a three-year plan and Mark has certainly over achieved."
- Temora FNC
"As a club we have a great core of local players and an exciting junior base and we'll be looking for someone to continue on with Mark's fantastic work in the development of those players."
When asked if the club has already agreed to terms with a new coach, Temora president Darryl Harpley simply replied "no".