Marocchi resigns as Swan IC Coach

Gary Marocchi - Former Swan IC Coach Photo courtesy of Swan IC

Carlo Scali has been appointed as the new senior coach, with Michael Di Fulvio his assistant. Swan IC have confirmed that Marocchi was keen to stay on, and support the club, in an advisory role.

Marocchi spoke to swanic.com about his decision, "I have become increasingly frustrated with the performance of the team in the last month, and with work pressures plus the frustrations building up within me, were the main reasons for making the decision to stand down."

"It is the first time I have resigned as a coach and the decision was a tough one to make, having developed a friendship with many of the senior people at the club, and winning two Boral Cups in three years. So I've made the tough decision to give the club ample time to recover and stay in the top league in 2006.

"The loss of Gary is disappointing news for the club as the professionalism and football knowledge that he brought to this football club is second to none" said Peter Simcox from swanic.com.

"I understand his reasons completely, but to lose his vast football knowledge will be, in my opinion, a massive loss. He has lifted the profile, not just of Swan IC but football in the Swan region."

Reserves coach and players' representative Di Fulvio spoke of Marocchi and his decision to stand down,

"The decision to see Gary step down is very disappointing. His influence over the club changed the direction for the better and he brought success.

"He was in charge during the clubs most successful period and his loss will be paramount. Gary injected professionalism and a winning attitude into the players and had planted the seeds for a successful future at Swans with the youngsters he attracted. Gary had to take stock with his work commitments being too much.

"I can't think of any other league coach volunteering his time for free three times per week as well as volunteer his time for junior soccer. Gary was committed to soccer six times per week as well as attending rotary club meetings on his 'night off' without ever expecting a dollar in return.

"Gary is largely responsible for changing the club form a social club into a more professional competitive club with ambitions of becoming a top club in Western Australia, the Boral cup triumphs and increased level of juniors at the club were a testament that his hard work was starting to pay off.

"The one thing the club can take out of Gary's resignation is that he has left the club in a stronger, organised and more competitive, position than when he arrived, which is exactly what any club would dream of form a departing coach.

"I thank him for his dedication, and the time he invested, to Swan IC and wish him all the best in chasing golf balls on a Saturday."

Swan IC Football Club President John Muriale also spoke highly of Marocchi's time at the club and his reasons to leave the Black and Whites,

"As most members will know Gary is the chief of a very successful engineering business which, in this boom time, has commanded more of his time. Coupled with his other family commitments Gary has been working long hours and has been under tremendous pressure."

"The club wishes Gary and his family all the best. I am sure we will still see them at the club when time allows. Swan IC wishes to thank Gary for his time, as this was given without any financial reward.

"Gary's commitment was second to none and is the most successful coach to have coached at Swans. With two Boral Cups added to Swans' trophy cabinet during this time. Anybody who was connected to the club soon realised that Gary was dedicated to the game, players, supporters, sponsors and the club.

"Gary is a visionary, who saw the potential of the Swan area as a future powerhouse. Gary's motto was grow your own talent to win and not buy your way into winning the league, as other clubs have done.

"Thank you Gary from all the committee, players, supporters and sponsors."

In closing the committee and supporters would like to thank Gary for all his hard work at the Swan IC Football Club, and wish him all the best in new advisory role with the club.