Results have been poor, fans have been disappointed and it has eventuated; Dean Pay and the Canterbury Bulldogs have parted ways.
This will be effective immediately with Steve Georgallis to act as interim head coach.
Although two camps do exist in this discussion; those who blame Pay solely and others who blame the board, a decision was made.
Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill said the club had to make a tough decision.
“These decisions are always tough, particularly when they involve someone who has been part of the Bulldogs family for a long time,” Hill said.
“The fact is though, that the Club and Dean have decided that we needed to move in a different direction to take the team forward.
“Dean was in agreement that now was the right time for both parties to part ways.”
Despite the way in which things ended, Hill also praised Pay and wished him the best moving forward.
“We did not rush into this decision and have taken our time to look at what was best for the club in regard to success moving forward,” Hill continued.
“I’d like to thank Dean for his contribution over the past three years and all the hard work and passion he has given to the club.”
Pay also said it was a privilege to coach the Bulldogs side.
“I’d like to thank the Bulldogs for the opportunity to be the Head Coach at a club that has always meant so much to me,” Pay said