FC EAGLEHAWK’S bid for a fourth straight Bendigo Amateur Soccer League championship will again be spearheaded by Greg Thomas.
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New Hawks president Ben Pengelley confirmed Thomas’ reappointment for the 2019 season this week, following an application process, which tossed up several strong candidates for the position.
Thomas, a former Brisbane Strikers star and Bendigo City FC coach, has led the Hawks to all-three of its consecutive championship wins, after joining the club in 2016.
He will again be a playing coach.
Pengelley said the club was rapt to have Thomas at the helm for another season.
“The club conducted an end of season review and we went through a rigorous process of advertising for a senior coach and Greg was successfully reappointed after consultation,” he said.
“He will be a playing coach and although he is getting on a bit, he is still striking the ball beautifully and is still arguably one of Bendigo’s best players.
“We had some quality applicants, but the reality was once we spoke to Greg, we realised his values and vision align with where the club wants to go.
“We are keen to focus on bringing through some of our exciting youth talent to ensure we are the competition powerhouse for the next five years.”
Eaglehawk won 17 games, drew one and lost just twice en-route to capturing the 2018 championship, two points ahead of Shepparton United (16-2-2).
United was able to turn the tables in the grand final at Shepparton’s McEwen Reserve to earn a 2-0.
It will come as no surprise to BASL followers to hear Pengelly declare that the championship will again be the primary focus for the Hawks and their reappointed coach.
“We would love to do the championship-grand final double, but I assure you everyone plays for the championship,” he said.
“The grand final is the secondary cup that has been brought in in recent times, but it’s insignificant to Eaglehawk … we play for the championship.
“The best team over the year is what you want to be, not the best on a given day.”
With their coach in place, Pengelley said attention for the Hawks would now turn to recruiting, with the bulk of their 2018 championship squad committed to returning.
The Hawks can look forward to a tough slog when pre-season kicks-off on January 29, under the guidance of central Victorian football identity, personal trainer and pro-boxer Damien Lock.
For pre-season details visit the FC Eaglehawk Facebook page.
