Lino Sciulli, who was named NPL Tasmania’s 2015 coach of the year following his success at Mitsubishi Park, has been announced as Rangers’ head coach for 2017. 

The appointment comes in the wake of high-profile switches of Ian Shaw from Kingborough to Olympia and Devonport’s premiership-winning coach Peter Savill being poached by Hobart Zebras.

Rangers vice-president Mark Jefferson welcomed the City stalwart who he said was an experienced leader well accustomed to the challenges of state league football.

“When media coverage has been centred on how much the South dominates football terms with finances, it’s great to have club/community based coaches with experience and the accreditation to take us to the next level,” Jefferson said.

Sciulli said: “I am honoured firstly to get the call and then for the opportunity to have the job.” 

He said his goals are for season 2017 were: “Firstly to get the squad gelling together and then myself and my assistants will be working hard to move up the ladder.”

Darren Cook will again call Rangers home for 2017, calling on his extensive experience in the federation’s development programs to assist the squad, while former head coach Dane Hudson remains on board as an assistant having been involved in Rangers’ state league coaching ranks since 2014.

“The club is delighted to have such a strong, passionate coaching group,” Jefferson said.

“The three coaches are familiar with each other. Lino [having] never been at the club before will bring a clean slate and new ideas. They are all club coaches, doing it for the love of the game and the development of the players around them.”

Announcing the appointments on the club’s Facebook page, Jefferson praised the coaching selection panel which included Marshall Pooley and Mitch Billing.

“We are close to confirming our other coaching roles within the club and will release that and our coaching structure in the coming days.” 

Rangers registered just one win and six points from 21 games in the state league last season, finishing bottom five points adrift of newcomers Clarence with a -55 goal difference.

Sciulli’s City side finished fifth of the eight teams with 23 points.

Devonport are yet to announce Savill’s replacement at Valley Road.