John Cartwright has stepped down from his role as coach of the Gold Coast Titans, ending his eight-year tenure as the club’s foundation coach.
Having maintained the position since leading the club in its inaugural match against the Dragons in 2007, Cartwright stepped down from the role after the Titans’ 28-8 loss to the Cowboys on Saturday night while Michael Searle, the man who kicked off the push to place an NRL club on the Gold Coast back in 1999 and long-time Cartwright ally, also resigned from from his position on the board and as executive director of football.
Cartwright had a further two years to run on a deal but was considered to be on shaky ground after the club last month announced a review of the football operations department in the midst of a ninth loss from the past 11 games.
Co-captain Nate Myles told reporters Monday that Cartwright still had the support of the entire playing group.
“Everyone’s under the pump,” he said.
“Carty has our backing 110 per cent. As a playing group, we’re the ones that are disappointing ourselves.
“We’re not disappointed in what Carty and that (coaching staff) are providing. They’re doing everything possible for us. Their mindset hasn’t changed.
“Our playing group isn’t playing enough for each other at the moment. We’re thinking too individually.”
The 48-year-old led the Titans to the 2009 semi-finals and the 2010 grand final qualifier, earning himself a five-year extension in the process. It is believed Cartwright will see out the remainder of the season before handing over the coaching title in 2015 to assistant Neil Henry.
The Titans have finished 16th, 11th and ninth since the 2010 run and currently sit four points outside of the top eight with five rounds to play in the minor premiership.
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