Farmer Bunnies were slapped with an unwelcome notification this morning, as head coach Elias van Dal tendered his resignation. The 50 year-old Dutchman, in his fifth full season at the Buns, indicated that he had to return to his native Holland for family reasons, and regretted having to leave his pet project behind.

Board members reportedly held a brief closed-door talk with van Dal, and were satisfied that they would not be able to hold on to him. "This came out of the blue." club vice-president Kevin Lai said. "Elias has been instrumental in building the Bunnies up during his tenure, and it is sad that he has been called away just as his efforts are bearing fruit. As the recent U-20 callups indicate, the groundwork he has laid in youth development has been second to none."

In his remaining two days at the club, van Dal will bid farewell to the Rancher Rabbits at their home friendly against Kick dich ins Knie, youth side of former American cupwinners Hennes United, and then travel to Lithuania together with caretaker player-coach Sikong Darong for one last game in joint charge of the team, against Division Five club Kurkuliai.

Sikong, together with the rest of the squad, professed to be stunned at the announcement too. "There may have been minor friction here and there, but Elias was an excellent trainer who took care to know his men." fullback Kwek Yun Jie said. "I will definitely miss his guidance."

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