The role will be filled by a newcomer to Alberton, after McGuinness advised the club this week that – given his business commitments – he would not be in the running to take on any full-time role at the club.
This means McGuinness – currently an assistant midfield coach – will step down from the Power coaching panel after five years at the club, at the completion of the 2009 season.
Power Football Operations Manager Peter Rohde says the Power is intending to elevate the part-time assistant coaching role to a full-time position as part of a reworking of its football operations.
“We have identified a need within the football department to take that role from part-time to full-time,” Rohde said.
“We talked to Tony about it, and he advised that – given all his other commitments – he wouldn’t be in the running for any full-time role at the club. That means we will start searching for an additional full-time assistant coach who fits what the club needs.”
McGuinness says he has enjoyed his time at Alberton, and will look at how he can keep contributing to the club.
“Peter Rohde came to me last week explaining that the club was looking to create a new full-time role, but with my business commitments I am just not able to even be in the running for that,” McGuinness said.
“I have really enjoyed my five years on the coaching team at Alberton, and look forward to the next few weeks as we try to grab one of the two finals spots which are up for grabs. That starts this week with a huge match against Hawthorn.
“In the longer term I would love to keep working with the club, and we’ll have a look at what shape that might take at the end of the season.”
