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In a move that has been delayed by a few days from being announced, the Victoria Shamrocks of the WLA have decided that the Art Webster era wasn’t what they had hoped it would be. Webster came in and had some very big shoes to fill but was unable to live up to the expectations of management. One thing for sure, it wasn’t for a lack of trying as Webster did all that he could with what he had in the dressing room.  After the jump check out the official press release from the Shamrocks.

The Victoria Shamrocks of the Western Lacrosse Association announce a change of head coaches. Art Webster, who has been the head coach for the last two years, is being replaced by Walt Christianson who returns to the team in 2010 after a two-year absence.

“The decision to replace Arty was a very difficult one,” says Shamrocks General Manager Chris Welch. “He is a great team guy and is very well respected. However, my assessment is that the team needs a new direction and I informed Arty back in mid-November that we were going to make a change.” The decision stems in part from a disappointing result in the 2009 WLA playoffs, in which the first place Shamrocks were upset by the fourth place Coquitlam Adanacs four games to one, the second year in a row that the Shamrocks were eliminated in the first round. “Our performance in the playoffs was unacceptable,” says Welch. “While the coach is not solely responsible for the team’s record and performance, he is accountable for the results, so it was one of the factors in the decision.”

Of the return of Christianson, Welch says, “I’m very pleased and extremely excited that one of the greatest coaches in the history of this proud organization is coming back and I’m looking forward to working with him again.” Christianson brings an outstanding record of success as head coach. Between 2002 and 2007, he led the Shamrocks to a remarkable five straight appearances in the Mann Cup championships, winning two national titles, in 2003 and 2005. “Walt is an outstanding leader and teacher and I know he’ll do a great job,” says Welch. “His experience, knowledge, understanding of the game and ability to strategize will bring out the best in our players.”

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