Still a way to go before new side becomes reality

By Teo Pellizzeri

November 13 2007

Shepparton News

A Numurkah men's soccer team in the senior division of North Eastern Soccer League still requires a lot of work before becoming a reality, according to new club president Joe Tomasino.

Former Knights president Greg Anderson was confident in August the club could recruit enough senior men to field a team in time for next season.

Anderson resigned last Monday with Tomasino stepping in for an initial one-year stint as president.

Tomasino said Anderson stepping down was not a set back in terms of what the club had planned for its men's team.

Anderson had said enough Goulburn Valleybased players had expressed an interest in a fresh start with a Numurkah senior team to the extent the club's aim of fielding a side had moved forward to next year.

But Tomasino said there would be no time frame on a senior team, yesterday reissuing the call for senior male players to contact Numurkah if they were available to transfer.

"We have three or four players currently in our reserves team who could cut it in the senior competition," Tomasino said.

"But in order to field a men's senior team we would still have to bring in quite a few Goulburn Valleybased players.

"Numurkah is only 20 minutes from Shepparton, so any fringe players at other clubs who want to have regular senior competition need to express their interest to us.

"Our women are a top four team, but in terms of retaining our juniors we absolutely need a senior men's team as well."

Tomasino said regardless of what division the men did ultimately play in, current reserves coach Leon Boyd was a front runner to retain his position next year.

"All the jobs in the club have been reopened as per our policy," Tomasino said.

"But Leon and (current women's coach) David Vella have both reapplied and are strong candidates for their respective roles."

Any men, women or junior players interested in playing for Numurkah next season can phone Lyn Dick on 0419 007 305.