Outgoing Sunshine Coast Scorchers coach Ashley Holznagel has reflected on his five-year tenure with the state premier grade side, which has had its fair share of ups and downs.
The 44-year-old told club officials in November he would finish at the end of the 2020/2021 season and a final-round loss to University of Queensland last month signalled his departure.
Holznagel helped many players develop their games and moulded the Scorchers into a threat in short format competitions.
But they failed to reach the four-team finals of the 12-team two-day league under his direction, finishing 7th, 10th, 7th, 9th and 12th.
“We’ve been a very competitive T20 outfit in that time and it’s been good fun,” he said.
“This year was a struggle but that’s cricket. That’s the journey of the game.”
He’s enjoyed his time with the region’s best cricketers.
“There’s been some really good players,” he said.
“You develop friendships, and you enjoy watching them grow as people and cricketers.”
“But it’s time for me to finish and it’s time for another voice to take over.”
Holznagel said he’d “had enough”.
A full-time electrical linesman, the Peachester resident wants to spend more time with his wife and three young children.
“The amount of time and effort you have to put in to be a head coach in this competition, there’s a lot of sacrifice with work and family,” he said.
“It’s time for me to give back to my family. I’ve been coaching for 12 years (at different teams) and mentally I need a break.”
Holznagel’s imprint at the club is assured.
He was captain of the Scorchers in his playing days, leading them to a breakthrough premiership in 2005/2006, when they shocked University of Queensland in the decider.
He spent three years in the line-up before providing some support to coach Eddo Brandes.
Holznagel then coached Glasshouse in the Sunshine Coast competition and then guided the Scorchers second grade side for four years, when he was assistant to Brad Murphy for the first-grade team.
Holznagel made a significant step when he was appointed head coach of Queensland Premier Grade team Sandgate. He was in the role for two years, winning a T20 title.
He then returned to take charge of the Sunshine Coast team.
Holznagel said the Scorchers have the potential to be contenders but all players must be dedicated.
“There will be a rebuild next year,” he said.
“They’ve got some good cricketers and good people, but there are always challenges within a group.”
He said it was crucial players are committed.
“If your attitude is not worth coaching, then don’t be there.”
“That was the reality of our season. We had a fair few players who were on board and we had a few who weren’t, and that really affected the whole first grade set-up.
“That was extremely and bitterly disappointing.
“One of the big things as a coach is to have all players on the same boat, training hard, playing hard and enjoying the spoils of each other’s success.
“Unfortunately, this year there’s been problems in that area and in the offseason, it needs to be rectified.
“Players should always be there for their team-mates and the best outcome for the club.”
Holznagel said he might return to the game in years to come but was not sure where and when.
