Halifax, Nova Scotia - Sep 10, 2022: Canadian Premier League match between the HFX Wanderers FC and Valour FC at the Wanderers Grounds in Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Trevor MacMillan/HFX Wanderers FC)

The Halifax Wanderers announced on Thursday morning that they have parted ways with Head Coach Stephen Hart.

“I met with Stephen yesterday and informed him that I felt it was time for new leadership at our football club,” Wanderers Founder and President Derek Martin said. “Stephen handled this conversation with the same class and dignity he has displayed while representing our club for the past five years, and I am forever grateful to him for helping our club get off the ground and for his immense contributions to the sport in Atlantic Canada.”

Hart was named the first head coach in Wanderers history in 2018 ahead of the inaugural Canadian Premier League season. In 2020, he was named the CPL Coach of the Year after leading Halifax to an appearance in the league final during The Island Games.

The move comes after the Wanderers failed to make the playoffs and came second last this season after posting an 8-5-15 record.

During Hart’s tenure, his team averaged 1.19 points per game.

A statement from the team indicates they have already begun the search for Hart’s replacement.