Heron calls time as coach

Mark Heron has told the Geraldton Buccaneers he will not coach the club in 2016.

The highly successful coach has taken an offer in a basketball-related role at SEDA and will relocate to Perth in the New Year, though he said the decision to leave the Buccs was one of the hardest he has ever had to make.

“It certainly wasn’t easy walking away from the Buccs,” Heron said.

“It took about five nights to make a decision after I had been offered the job at SEDA, but at the end of the day I think I’ve made the right call for not only myself but my family as well.”

Despite finishing in the top two the past two seasons, Heron said he felt a sense of unfinished business with the Buccs and may stay in a role with the club while based in Perth.

“Looking back it’s been an unbelievably successful two years but still extremely disappointing when you set your sights on winning a championship,” he said.

“There is some unfinished business there but I believe the club’s in a strong position going forward.

“To finish top in 2014 and then second this year was a really great achievement and something I’ll always hold on to, and to make that grand final in 2014, that’s something the club hadn’t done in 15 years so it was pretty special.”

Buccs general manager Andrew Horstman paid tribute to Heron and described him as not only a great communicator, but also the ultimate professional.

“I’ve never worked with a guy who was so diligent when it comes to preparation and planning, and I think those sentiments are echoed by the playing group,” he said.

“The three years that he has been in town, he’s been a huge contributor to Geraldton basketball and the position that it’s in today — which is a strong position.”

The Buccs now have the difficult task of finding a replacement head coach and Horstman said it was all about sourcing the best talent to take the Buccs forward next year.

“We’ll go across the country,” he said.

“We’re really keen to get the best available talent and the best person for the job.

"It’s a very attractive program so I’m quietly confident it’ll be in safe hands.”