St Albans Saints are hoping to build in Ryan McGuffie’s second season in charge in the National Premier League.
McGuffie, a former star player at the club, made the transition into a senior coaching role last season.
The Saints managed to finish 11th on the ladder, with six wins from their 26 games.
Football operations manager Jason Xerri said things had gone nicely in the pre-season so far.
“We’re in the deep end of the pre-season and the squad is shaping up quite well,” he said. “We have almost finalised the squad.
“We have one or two more players to confirm to settle the squad. We’re giving five players from last year’s under-23 team a chance and we’ve retained some players from last year.”
Xerri said they would have a real mix of youth and experience this season and believed they had the right balance on the park.
He said it was exciting to have so many young players step up into the senior team.
“It’s an exciting transition,” he said. “It’s nice to have some new blood.
They’ve worked hard and four of the five have played most of their football at the club, since they were seven and now into the senior ranks.
“It’s a testament to them and the pathway.”
Joining the young players stepping up in the senior squad, is a number of recruits.
James Riccobene joins the club from powerhouse, Avondale, while Max King comes down from Queensland.
Striker import Scott Bakkor and Alan Gerez from Green Gully have also joined the club.
Josh Divin is an exciting prospect who has crossed from Western United, while Nick Mori comes from the Bendigo Soccer League.
Joseph Colina, captain Michael Grgic, James Kapuranovski are among the players who are returning.
“We’ve retained a bit of the list,” he said. “There’s a nice even balance and the boys have worked hard in the pre-season on the game plan and contingences for the new season.
“There’s some new faces in the coaching staff, so they’re adding stuff as well and bringing fresh ideas to the table.”
Xerri said McGuffie would benefit from having a year in the coaching chair.
In the appointment of his reappointment, “We will be focusing on improving in all aspects during these matches, ahead of next month’s kick-off of the NPL Victoria season.”
“It was his first year last year and he did a great job considering it was his first season as senior coach,” Xerri said.
“He transitioned well from being a player.”
The Saints open their season on February 10 on the road against Port Melbourne.
Tara Murray
