Premier Men - Season Preview 2023

SEASON PREVIEW

Ahead of this afternoon's first Premier Men's first game of the season, we spoke to Head Coach Scott Hales to hear his thoughts of the season ahead!

WSAFC: How have your pre-season preparations gone?

SH: Any Coach who tells you their pre-season has gone perfectly, is probably lying! We all want more time and especially with a new group, but that has to be balanced with the number of games ahead of us this season and when we bring the players back in, as injury prevention is paramount. I've been impressed with the player's eagerness to learn a new system, which will develop into a recogniseable 'Springs' style of play. We have experimented with new things, persevered as a group and postively held each other accountable. We still have work-ons but our pre-season fixtures showed us how far we have come and what we can achieve. As important as the football is, it won't come to much without a healthy team culture. We have focussed on team values as a group, looking into what defines us, so that we continue to develop an environment we are all proud of and fight to uphold.

It will be important for us to celebrate success and handle defeat as a team, and neither one will ever be attributed to one individual player. We are fortunate to have retained a very healthy number of quality players from last season led by Oscar Ramsay (Captain), who have helped to settle the new players and model what WSAFC is all about.

WSAFC: Talk us through the squad, who has come in ahead of the 2023 season?

SH: In addition to the welcome return of Tuyi & Brooklyn, we have introduced some quality new players to the squad. Wan Gatkek and Patrick Tobin are both players I've worked with for a number of years. Reid Drake is a player I have faced many times as the opposing Coach and it's great to be able to work with him. I'm pleased to be able to add a quality Goalkeeper in Regan Diver, as Keeper options are so important to have. Keegan Kelly is a great addition to our final third efforts as well as Kofi and Campbell. In addition to being an exciting group of footballers, they are team players who are excited at the prospect of making their WSAFC debuts in the coming weeks.

WSAFC: Any changes to the staff this season?

SH: Danyon Drake joins us as the Men's First Team Assistant Coach and is proving his worth at these early stages. Anyone who knows Danyon, knows that he is not only a great guy but a fierce competitor, who has a great rapport with the group. Simone returns from last season, with experience only a few in NZ have had, Sina is from Back to Your Feet Physio, Grant Borrill as S+C, a club person and a great guy (boom), Denver MacDonald as analyst; Denver is an experienced analyst. Team Manager is Club man Paul Thomas - a fantastic figure for the club.

WSAFC: How are the Development Team looking? Any players that could be knocking on the door of the Men's First Team?

SH: We are fortunate to have such a bright group of eager players who will definitely push for spots. With this group, we will work to ensure that if and when First Team opportunities arise, they are physically 100% ready, enjoy the experience and thrive in the environment.

WSAFC: First game of the season this Saturday, away to last season's champions Auckland City. What are your expectations of them?

SH: Auckland City are always a well prepped and organised opponent, with an impressive depth of squad. They have a couple of games under their belt as they recently contested qualifiers for an OFC Champions League spot. That said, we are also well prepared and pleased to draw them for our first game away from home, as this will be a good test and set the bar high for our first performance of the season.

WSAFC: What are you most excited for this season?

SH: First and foremost, I'd like to thank the WSAFC Committee, staff, players and wider Springs community for the support and kindness they have shown to me since my arrival. I knew I was coming to a great and proud club and the experience really hasn't disappointed. I'm looking forward to setting to work with a fantastic group of players and team staff, proving ourselves on the pitch, showcasing what will be a new style of play and some attractive and positive football being played.