Green Gully is hoping its struggles throughout the National Premier League soccer season are a one-off.
The Cavaliers never gained a positive momentum in 2014 with injuries to key players and several disappointing losses slowing the club’s progress.
Green Gully president Raymond Mamo was obviously disappointed with this year’s results, especially with the club having dominated the local soccer landscape with six titles in the past 15 years.
In 2014, the Cavaliers finished 10th with nine wins.
“The club has always had high expectations and unfortunately this year didn’t go to plan. You could say it’s a cycle. We’ve done well over a number of years. I think we’ve played finals football consecutively for 12 years. This year wasn’t to be.”
After appointing caretaker coach Bob Stojcevski during the season, the Cavaliers’ board will meet in the coming weeks to discuss a permanent replacement.
Stojcevski took over from Aaron Symons in May.
It was the second coaching change of the season, with Symons having replaced Jeffrey Fleming earlier in the year.
It wasn’t all bad news for the Cavaliers with the club’s under-20 side challenging for the title. Green Gully finished fourth in that competition behind Oakleigh, Northcote City and the Melbourne Knights.
Mamo was rapt with the progress of the club’s younger players and said some would push for senior selection next season.
“We’re very proud of our under-20s,’’ he said.
‘‘We came very close to taking the title there.
“Unfortunately, they suffered a few injuries from rounds 17 and 18 onwards.
‘‘A number of good juniors are coming through the ranks.
‘‘Some under-20 players will be trialling with our senior team.”
