New Delhi: It was end of an era for Goa football on Thursday when veteran coach Armando Colaco parted ways with Dempo Sports club after coaching the side for 12 consecutive seasons.

According to sources, Colaco, who guided Dempo to five I-League titles thus becoming the most successful club coach in the recent history of Indian football, was told by the club management on Thursday that a new coach would take over in the coming season.

Colaco took over the reins of Dempo in 2000 when the club was relegated to the second division and soon build a side that broke Calcutta football’s supremacy at the domestic level. The former midfielder also took Dempo to the semi-finals of the AFC Cup.

Despite his huge success, Colaco’s exit was shrouded with controversy after Dempo’s English recruit Rohan Rickets openly criticised the integrity of the coach earlier this season. Though Rickets had to leave, his allegation came as an embarrassment for the coach.

Colaco’s position is likely to be filled in by young Australian coach Arthur Papas, currently the coach of All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) developmental side, Pailan Arrows. Colaco, who was also the national coach for a few months, is likely to be given a farewell party later this week.