New Noosa soccer coach Ben Amson admits it will be difficult to follow Kevin A’herne-Evans, who steered the side to a swag of silverware.
The 32-year-old has been tasked with ensuring the Lions remain a considerable threat in the 10-team Sunshine Coast competition, after A’herne-Evans took them to four straight regular season premierships and a grand final win during his four-year tenure there.
And Amson has a new-look squad to work with, after the departure of some key players.
“There’s been a lot of change in personnel,” he said.
“There’s a high level of optimism but we’re realistic that it’s going to be a hard act to follow the last four years of success we’ve had with Kev.
“There’s nothing like taking the reins straight after that.”
The Lions squad is young.
A selection of 16 and 17-year-olds are poised to play in premier grade and the oldest player in the reserve grade side is only 20.
The pre-season has been promising, aside from an early exit in the FFA Cup knockout competition.
“At training, the guys have never let off. The foot is always on the pedal, so we’re looking forward to the season,” Amson said.
They will be without some of their guns from previous seasons, including Andre Jancesvki, Mitch Bridge, who are with state league team Sunshine Coast Wanderers, and veteran Matt Thompson.
“They are some big losses,” Amson said.
But the presence of Sam Nickolls and new captain Luke Becconsall should help.
“Sam is probably the best goal-keeper on the Sunshine Coast and Luke has been instrumental in bringing the young guys through.”
And the young players have talent.
“The way they have been training and in our first few (trial) games, quite often we say: ‘we are absolutely going to cause some damage.”
“And the young boys expect to win.
“(But) there are those moments as well where there is a lack of experience (on display), because it’s such a young squad.”
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Amson comes to the head coaching role with his own plaudits.
The long-serving club-member has claimed three regular season premierships and a grand final win during his stint as Noosa’s reserve grade coach.
He was eager to take the top job.
“It was a natural progression. I put my name forward (for the role) and happy days.”
Meanwhile, A’herne-Evans is now assistant coach of A-League outfit Brisbane Roar.
The Sunshine Coast premier football season was scheduled to kick off on March 19-20, with the women to play on Friday and the men to play on Saturday.
Round 1 games (home teams listed first)
Men, March 20, 6pm
Buderim v Gympie United
Caloundra v Kawana
Maroochydore v Nambour Yandina
Noosa v Beerwah Glasshouse
Woombye v Coolum
Women, March 19, 8.30pm
Caloundra v Beerwah Glasshouse
Gympie v Sunshine Coast Fire
Maroochydore v Nambour Yandina
