Devonport Strikers’ success on the national stage was one of the key reasons why the head coach role was such an attractive proposition to Rick Coghlan, who plans to forge his own legacy at Valley Road.
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Coghlan on Tuesday was unveiled as Chris Gallo’s replacement as the man in charge of the NPL Tasmania champions, with the well credentialed FFA/AFC A Licence holder coming to the state with plenty of management experience under his belt.
The 29-year-old was born in London, but presently calls Gold Coast home with his most recent duties being the Gold Coast United’s football operations manager and the under 20/youth team head coach at the NPL Queensland club.
He has also been University of Queensland FC’s women’s head coach, Central Coast Mariners’ A-League Academy head coach and performance phase assistant coach, Football Queensland’s state coach at the National Youth Championships and Youth NPL head coach at Gold Coast City FC.
“Two things attracted me to Devonport, the first being that the club is in a really exciting place right now considering the successful year it has had, so the opportunity to join a club that has just had such a great period in their history is not something that comes around too often,’’ he told Fairfax Media this week.
“The second thing was for my career progression and career prospects I just think it is a great fit and after speaking to Rod Andrews and Nick Owen, it was a no-brainer to head down there compared to some of the other clubs I had spoken to.
“I thought what they did in the FFA Cup was fantastic, and I shared that feeling with Rod, and looking at the NPL Tasmania from the outside in Queensland, you know that Devonport is one of the big clubs and have really shaped the landscape of football there in Tasmania.
“I can’t wait to get started as I’ve heard nothing but good things about the culture of the club and I have been told I won’t really understand until I get there the real community aspect, but I can’t wait to find out.”
With an attacking aspect to his coaching, he promised the Strikers would continue to play an exciting brand of soccer.
“I want the players and other coaches to buy into my culture as much as I buy into what is already there.
“I will definitely be looking to build an exciting brand of football at Devonport. My view on football is to absolutely just to go out there and win the game and give the people watching something to enjoy, as well as the players and the staff.”
President Rod Andrews said Coghlan was one six high quality candidates from across the country that made the club’s final short list.
“Our NPL coach needs to be more than just someone who coaches the NPL team, but someone who is interested in growing the game and the club, and we think Rick can do that,’’ Andrews said.
Coghlan will relocate to Tasmania early next month.