Ruben Zadkovich's drama-filled ride as Perth Glory coach has come to an end after the former Socceroo made the shock decision to step away from the role.
Glory released a statement on Friday afternoon revealing Zadkovich had resigned as head coach to "pursue opportunities elsewhere".
No further reasons were given for his departure, and fans will no doubt question whether he was pushed following a drama-filled season off the pitch.
Zadkovich stepped into the Glory coaching hot-seat when Richard Garcia was axed midway through last season.
The 37-year-old was appointed full-time ahead of this season and led Glory to a ninth-placed finish.
Although it was a significant improvement on 2021/22's wooden-spoon campaign, the off-field rumours that hounded Zadkovich for much of the season cast doubt on his long-term future.
In January, there was talk Zadkovich had a verbal blow-up with recruits Ryan Williams and Mark Beevers, with the coach moving quickly to dispel any notion of a rift.
The rumour mill went into overdrive in February when whispers surfaced that Zadkovich had punched midfielder Giordano Colli during training.
He again strongly denied the rumours.
"I made a forward run and collided with G (Colli), and we both ended up on the ground," Zadkovich said at the time.
"G's blocked the run and we've had a tangle of legs and we ended up on the ground. I'm not sure how from there it's gotten to this type of allegation.
"I'm not sure where the rumours are starting. It's not a nice thing for a club to have to deal with or myself, they're pretty serious allegations."
Zadkovich's plans remain unclear but he expressed his gratitude at being afforded the chance to lead an A-League club.
"Firstly, I’d like to thank the chairman, Mr Tony Sage, for entrusting me with the role of head coach of Perth Glory," Zadkovich said in a statement.
"To be given the responsibility of rebuilding the club’s football department into a competitive side again has been a very rewarding process.
"This has undoubtedly been a very challenging time for the club, but we have shown a huge improvement over the last 12 months in many facets ... I believe that key foundations for the club's future success have been laid.
"I'd also like to thank the club for granting me an early release to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
"This was a difficult decision for me to make. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with a wonderful group of players who have given their all to this rebuild."
Zadkovich's shock exit comes at a tumultuous time for Glory, with long-time owner Sage closing in on a deal to sell the club.
Last month, representatives from the Australian Professional Leagues - the governing body of the A-Leagues competitions - flew to Perth to meet with interested buyers.
If all goes well, Glory could have a new owner within the next month.
Sage could still retain a stake in the club he has solely owned since 2009.
