An overhaul of the club’s senior infrastructure has led to a new coaching panel being elected, with president Nathan Sali and vice-president Nicholas Trimboli elated to drop the curtain on the Blues’ latest selection of leaders.
Lewis Coyle has been handed the baton to coach the senior side and to say the Englishman is champing at the bit to get under way would be selling the situation short.
“I’m hoping to rebuild; I heard a lot about last season during COVID-19 and the league not finishing, so I’m looking forward to getting down to business over the next couple of weeks,” Coyle said.
“I want to get everything in motion so we can hopefully have a good season ahead of us.”
As a former Goulburn Valley Sun and Tatura swingman, Coyle is all too familiar with the lay of the land regarding the region’s soccer-scape.
He hails from a professional background having plied his trade for Welsh Premier League club Rhyl as well as starting out as a junior at Everton’s academy, and cannot wait to impart his knowledge on the Blues’ camp.
“What I bring is an understanding and a general knowledge of the game,” he said.
“I’ve got that experience of playing at a higher level and I can bring that professionalism to the group of players that I’ve got.
“At the moment I’m hoping to make one or two acquisitions going forward, but first and foremost, I think creating a better vibe around the club is a must.
“I want everyone to enjoy their football.”
Sali has embraced the rebuilding phase and placed nurturing Shepparton United’s raft of promising youth high on his agenda.
“What’s important is developing the juniors right through from kinderoos to the senior division,” Sali said.
“It’s good to get the seniors on top of things, which all starts with having a good coach on board to bring that diversity to the club – it’s important we’ve got people like Lewis to help us achieve those goals.”
Since arriving at the helm, Sali has had one goal in particular: ushering the club back towards its halcyon days.
As a Shepparton local, he fondly recalls the pageantry of local soccer that captured the region during his younger years.
Hundreds scattered the sidelines, the standard was high and the spectacle was magnificent.
Now he wants to lead the charge and recreate that scene right here in the 2020s – and for Sali, the new combinations have him hoping for a massive season for the Royal Blue army.
“Obviously, the direction we’ve taken is to get someone from outside the club to bring a different club culture and drive us forward,” Sali said.
“I acknowledge that developing the club though COVID-19 is difficult, but bringing interest back into the club is definitely our main priority.
“Like any club in any code at the moment, it’s going to be hard with players sitting at home for the past few months, but by getting on the front foot early we want to prepare for what’s hoped to be a big season for us.”
Examining the rest of Shepparton United’s panel, 2021 senior leader Hussein Sumaili will assume the under-18 coaching position next season.
Shepparton United began pre-season on December 1 and trains Wednesday and Friday nights.
For more information, contact sheppunitedsc@outlook.com
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