AN EMBATTLED club who helped shape the Warrnambool football landscape has entered a two-year recess but is confident it can rise from the ashes.
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East Warrnambool, a founding member of the Warrnambool and District league, on Monday voted to go on hiatus at its annual general meeting.
Bombers president Allan Miller said his club, which boasts a decorated history stretching more than 100 years, was disappointed but would return "bigger and stronger than ever before".
If we didn't make this decision, we can see there would likely be no future for the club.
- Allan Miller
He said the unanimous vote meant the club could rebuild among the uncertainty of the Reid Oval renovations.
"It's definitely not an ideal situation but it's not only the best way, but it's the only way we can look to the future," Miller told The Standard.
"If we didn't make this decision, we can see there would likely be no future for the club.
"We'll leave no stone unturned to ensure the long-term sustainability of the club. We've got the right people working hard behind the scenes."
Miller said East Warrnambool would function as a "social club" and was focused on revenue raising and building its junior structure.
"We wouldn't have bothered to maintain our finals catering tender with the league if we weren't entertaining (an on-field comeback)," he said.
"We have people on board who love the sport and are passionate about the role community sporting clubs can play.
"We'll absolutely be back stronger than ever."
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