Co-coaches Glen Lehner and Aaron Newport have left Epping mid-season

The decision was made over the long weekend with the pair to hand over the magnet board for the rest of the NFNL Division 2 season.

Newport and Lehner took the reins ahead of the 2022 season, replacing Aaron Johnson.

The Pingers won just three games in that time, finishing ninth last season with two wins – both against relegated Fitzroy Stars – and one in the first eight rounds this year, against Lower Plenty.

Epping had a mixed off-season.

It secured the likes of Epping and West Preston-Lakeside premiership star Luke Lirosi, AFL Sydney defender Andrew Denoon, Harley Gleeson, Ethan Gorski, Jordan Hollow and Matthew Mikic.

However, it also saw Matthew Centofani, Adrian Cirianni, Jackson Freebairn, Jude Georgievski, Dylan Hoystead, Jaedyn Kearney, Damon Marcon, Josh Sims and James Tadd.

The Pingers have scored the fewest points in the competition and conceded the second most.

The co-coaches’ last match in charge was a 85-point loss against Panton Hill on June 3 at Epping Recreation Reserve.

Brad Hollow will take the interim coaching reins for the rest of the season.

Epping put a statement on its Facebook page on Tuesday night.

“We wish to advise that our co-coaches, Glen Lehner and Aaron Newport, have made the decision to resign as our senior coaches of our club,” it read.

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“We would like to thank them both for their hard work and dedication both on and off the field.

“During their time at the club, they have built great relationships not only with the playing group but the club as a whole.

“We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.

“Brad Hollow will take on the caretaker role for the remainder of the 2023, We are confident that the boys are in great hands.”

Originally published as Co-coaches Glen Lehner and Aaron Newport have left Epping mid-season