FITZGERALD — In a telephone interview Monday, former Fitzgerald High Purple Hurricane head football coach Robby Robinson responded to his release from the position after one year on the job.

“I was informed at 1 p.m. Friday that I would not be renewed at Fitzgerald High School,” said Robinson. “I was not given a reason and that’s all I know.”

Robinson said only one thing about a possible reason for his release when he stated, “I will say that I don’t think this town was big enough for two head coaches at the same time.”

Asked if he was referring to Robby Pruitt, who he replaced as head coach at Fitzgerald, Robinson would not comment.

Pruitt is currently the coach at Warner Robins. He was at Fitzgerald for three seasons before taking the job there.

The 2003 season saw the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricanes finish second in Region 1-AAA.

Fitzgerald ended the season with a 7-5 record. The Hurricanes advanced to the second round of the state playoffs, losing to Washington County 42-0. Washington County will play in the Class AAA semifinals this weekend in the Georgia Dome.

Robinson said he was upset the news was released Sunday, because, “I have yet to speak to my team. It is real sad they had to read about it in the newspaper.”

He added, “it is very sad for my players and my coaches that something like this has to happen. I just hope when all is said and done, the truth comes out one way or the other.”