Greg Shipperd’s axing as Victorian coach has left a bitter taste in the cricket veteran’s mouth as he leads the side into their Sheffield Shield final.

After 11 seasons at the helm, team management told Shipperd four rounds ago that his contract would not be extended as they looked to a “fresh approach”.

“I respect Cricket Victoria’s obvious right to make decisions strategically on the way they wish to go forward,” he told reporters.

Sharing the news on Friday in Hobart ahead the five-day Shield final against Western Australia, Shipperd was clearly unhappy about the decision which comes just a month after he was replaced as Melbourne Stars coach for the 2015-16 Big Bash League.

Shipperd became coach to the Bushrangers in January 2004 when predecessor David Hookes died after being punched in the head by a bouncer outside a pub where the team was celebrating a win.

He had previously been assistant coach.

“It’s a partnership that has endured a number of years,” Shipperd said of his links to Cricket Victoria.

“And hopefully in whatever other role that may be conjured up over the next couple of weeks or months that I’m satisfied going forward and so are they.”

But while Shipperd said he is settled in Victoria and would be happy to stay on in another role, he’s not ruling out holding discussions with other states.

“(I’m) leaving at the top of my coaching game, plenty of energy and plenty of knowledge still to share with people.

“Tomorrow the next door opens and what it brings, hopefully it puts a smile on my face.”

In a statement, Cricket Victoria boss Tony Dodemaide thanked Shipperd for his “outstanding contribution”.

“The Board feel that even though Greg has been a tremendous coach and mentor over the 11 years he has been in charge, it is time for a new voice and fresh face to lead the state in the coming years,” he said.

Bushrangers captain Matthew Wade said team members were told of Shipperd’s axing some time ago and that initially it came as a surprise.

“He’s going to be sorely missed,” the skipper said.

“We’d love to win a Shield final for him and give him the respect he deserves going out.”

Shipperd cited the national selection of several world-class Victorian players as among the highlights of his time as head coach, which has included three Shield titles.