West Coast Rangers are looking for a new men\u2019s first team coach after ending Chad Coombes\u2019 five-year spell in charge at the Northern League club.<\/p>\n
The club say Coombes will not return for the 2027 season as Rangers restructure their senior and academy football programmes.<\/p>\n
Rangers are considering creating a full-time academy director\/men\u2019s first-team head coach position to strengthen their player development pathway.<\/p>\n
Coombes (43) joined Rangers as head coach for the 2022 season after leaving his assistant coaching role with Northern League club Birkenhead United.<\/p>\n
The former All White made an immediate impact, leading Rangers to the 2022 Lotto NRFL Men\u2019s Championship title and promotion.<\/p>\n
He was re-appointed for their return to the Northern League in 2023, when Rangers finished seventh in their first season back.<\/p>\n
Coombes remained in charge through subsequent seasons, with the club also crediting him for helping young players progress into senior football.<\/p>\n
His work extended to Rangers\u2019 age-group teams, including a run to the U-17 nationals semi-finals in 2024, the club\u2019s best finish.<\/p>\n
Rangers also reached the quarter-finals of the U-19 nationals in Napier in 2025.<\/p>\n
Announcing his departure, the club thanked Coombes for his contribution and said his impact had extended beyond first-team results.<\/p>\n
\u201cThroughout his time at WCR, Chad has consistently shown a genuine passion for the players, the team and the club,\u201d Rangers said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and commitment he has given to West Coast Rangers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coombes had previously worked alongside Birkenhead United head coach Paul Hobson before taking the Rangers position ahead of the 2022 campaign.<\/p>\n
The former New Zealand international played for clubs including Auckland City and Waitakere United during his playing career.<\/p>\n
Rangers say they are now exploring their coaching options as part of their restructuring plans for 2027.<\/p>\n
This story was first published on September 25, 2026.<\/p>\n