Cunningham on Tuesday confirmed he had relinquished the job, just days after the club crowned American import Alex Starling as its best player during the Big V division one men’s season.

Cunningham, who steered the Seahawks to an elimination final this season, said he felt he was stepping down at the right time.

He paid tribute to the Seahawks’ committee, and particularly those serving for the first time.

“It’s time to do something different. I’ve been in the country 18 years and 15 of those have been with this club,” he said.

“We had some new blood come in – Jacob Sobey, Jenna Osborne, Tanya McGowan, Michael Ferguson – and they did a fantastic job.

“In terms of off-the-court finances, we’re in the best position we’ve been since I’ve been in the country. It’s an awesome achievement.

“There’s not much more I can do. We had a shake this year and it didn’t work out.”

Cunningham said he would be no stranger to the club. He coached three junior sides last summer and is keen to do so again.

“I’m not trying to go anywhere, I’ve still got my under 18 girls at Port Fairy, I’ve got my under 14 boys here in Warrnambool and my under 12 boys at Port Fairy,” he said.

“I’m still going to be busy enough. But I’ve got my Tuesdays and Thursdays back when I can work with individuals.”

Starling was a popular winner of the MVP award on Saturday night, which capped off a sublime debut season in green. He averaged 21.6 points and 12.7 rebounds to go with 20 double-doubles and one triple-double.

Tim Gainey earned defensive player of the year honours, Josh Dean won the Adrian Rodgers Memorial award, presented to the rising star, and James Mitchell earned the coach’s award.

Cunningham rated the Seahawks’ campaign as “good” but noted “we won’t call it great because we didn’t advance (in finals)”.

“Last year was a great year because nobody gave us a chance. This year people gave us a chance, we were one of the favourites and we came up short,” he said.

He believed the club should do what it could to secure Starling, who left Australia for the United States on Tuesday morning, for a second season.

“I think Warrnambool Seahawks would be foolish if they didn’t at least ask the question,” he said.

“That’s a personal opinion but I think the guy is the best we’ve had here in a very long time.”

Meanwhile, Warrnambool Seahawks basketballers could collect a swag of accolades at the Big V end-of-season awards function.

Competition officials on Tuesday unveiled their award nominees, with the Seahawks well-represented across a variety of division one men’s categories.

Cunningham is in contention for the coach of the year award while Starling is among 10 vying for the MVP crown.

Starling is also a chance to be named defensive player of the year. Dean, Liam Killey and Curtis Ryan are three of the five nominees in the rising star section.