There's new coaches but familiar faces at the top for the Macleay Valley Rangers as the club prepares to head into their Coastal Premier League, FFA Cup and Women's League campaigns.
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In first grade last year, Rangers finished fourth in the regular Coastal Premier League season before making the Grand Final in the CPL Southern Conference competition.
The reserve grade side placed fifth in regular CPL before just missing out on a Grand Final appearance in the Southern Conference.
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The ladies side were declared 'points score champions' in the Women's Northern League.
This year, Simon Tamblyn will take his spot as head coach of the first grade side while Jason Coleman will take charge of the reserves.
After previously coaching junior and women's sides Tamblyn said the timing was right to take on this project.
"It's about time, I've always wanted to do it and it's been a goal of mine," he told the Argus.
Tamblyn, who previously played first grade with Rangers for around 20 years is aiming for the team to maintain the same level of performance from last year.
"I want to instill discipline in the side - the goal is to play well and continue to be a top four team," he said.
Coleman, similar to Tamblyn, has coaching experience with junior sides and youth league and has always been with the club.
His reason for taking on the role is simple.
"I just enjoy football," he said.
The aim will be to keep the coaching styles similar so the system stays the same with players coming in and out of the squad.
"The biggest challenge is we're playing in a much better league and it's hard to keep the same team on the park and maintain combinations, particularly with injuries," Tamblyn explained.
"We'll just look to play a similar style in both sides so replacements know the system inside and out."
The Rangers squad is expected to stay reasonably similar to 2020 with two or three players leaving for university.
After previously coaching three years ago, Heidi Tamblyn replaces her sister Emma to take charge of the women's team.
A few new inclusions is set to boost their side after dominating the Women's Northern League over previous seasons.
"We have a couple of new people interested who have reached out," Heidi said.
"A few of the younger girls will come up into the senior grade, including Kiera Morn whilst some others are returning after playing previously."
The structure of the Women's League is yet to be confirmed with one-sided results bringing about a discussion over potential changes.
The Argus reached out to Football MNC to discuss the women's competition but hasn't received a reply at the time of printing.
Also making the news:
Lachlan Harper
Lachlan Harper is a sports reporter at the Central Western Daily. Contact: lachlan.harper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Lachlan Harper is a sports reporter at the Central Western Daily. Contact: lachlan.harper@austcommunitymedia.com.au
