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Nick Taylor, CommentThe West Australian The reign of yet another Western Force coach has come to an inglorious end. First it was John Mitchell who left for the Lions in controversial

circumstances, then Richard Graham went out of the door under a cloud midway through the 2012 season to join the Reds. And now Michael Foley has been dumped with three matches of the season

remaining. Perhaps it was inevitable given recent comments made by both the Force and ARU executive about the end-of-season review and the need for results. And in the end the divorce was

probably best handled swiftly rather than dragged out to a long and painful conclusion. Foley was devastated, as were some of his players. There is no doubt he was fully committed and cared

about them and the organisation. But he is also a realist and despite putting on a brave face after every loss, he knew it all meant little if he could not produce results. He did as well as

anybody could have done with a limited squad, but the wooden spoon last year and looking like finishing bottom of the Australian conference this season was not good enough for a club whose

own future was under a cloud. He had not lost the support or allegiance of the player group, with captain Matt Hodgson saying the side would dedicate the last three games to Foley and “play

to represent his legacy”. It should be remembered that when Foley was appointed he was to have been director of coaching in charge of the rugby program, a role that would have suited his

organisational and management strengths, but financial restrictions meant a restructure and he was made head coach. There will now be the inevitable “worldwide search” for a replacement

coach. There will be plenty of rumour and speculation about who should be put in charge but whoever they decide on the Force need someone who can not only get results, but also lift the

ailing profile of the club and have the ability to retain and recruit the best players available. In the short term it is up to stand-in coach and Foley assistant Dave Wessels, who has taken

control temporarily, to lift the spirits of the squad and squeeze some success out of the last three games. Possible candidates would include former Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher, now at

Gloucester, and Jake White, who is in charge of Montpelier in France. Joint head coach of the Reds Matt O’Connor, former Wallabies mentor Ewen McKenzie and ex-Force assistant coach John

Muvihill are others in the mix. GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM THEWEST.COM.AU IN YOUR INBOX. Sign up for our emails