Neil Craig quits as Crows coach

[AFL Warrior]

NEIL Craig has quit as Adelaide coach. He will be replaced immediately by senior assistant Mark Bickley.

Craig stepped away from the Crows job today after Adelaide's 103-point loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

Bickley's first game will be the Showdown against Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Craig issued a statement saying: "It's time. To continue would hurt the club, given the negativity and distraction that my own role has become. We have clearly underperformed this year and as senior coach, I take the responsibility for that."

Crows chairman Rob Chapman issued a statement saying: "Neil has, as always, demonstrated enormous integrity in making this decision. He's been true to his word that the club would come before his own career, and has made the call as we expected he would..

"I can't speak highly enough of Neil. He's made an extraordinary contribution to our club since 1997; and more particularly since taking over as coach midway through 2004.

"He has led the way in bettering the culture of our football team, and has driven standards and professionalism that has earned respect throughout the competition. And he has been an incredible role model in terms of the respect he's shown for his club and the game generally.

"Despite the disappointing results of late, Neil led us to five finals series, and re-established the list and the team to a strong and respected position."

[Beaussie]

After Friday nights abysmal effort from the Crows, Craig standing down was inevitable.

[Onions]

He quit before he was fucking pushed. He's the reason the Crows are shit right now. Watch them turn around!