Division One leaders Metro have a new coach as they go into Sunday’s match against fourth-placed Nelson Eastern Suburbs away at North Warrane.
Darrin Chaffey, the club’s senior coach and central defender, was asked to stand down before a recent training session and under-19s coach Bob Nicholson took over.
The club issued a statement saying that Chaffey had been initially appointed on the proviso that if someone more qualified or suited to the position came along, a change would be made.
Nevertheless, Chaffey was stunned and so were some of the players and supporters and this will be Metro’s first game under Nicholson.
Whether or not Chaffey will stay as a player and turn out against Nelson is unknown.
Metro have a 4-point lead over second-placed Taroona and should win against Nelson to keep up their momentum towards promotion to the Premier League.
Nelson will be without injured goalkeeper Nic De Carpentier, who will be replaced by Ben Gibson, while Luke Wallace returns to the side in midfield.
“We lost very heavily against Metro last time on a very muddy pitch at North Chigwell and I’m not sure our own North Warrane pitch will be in much better condition,” said Nelson coach, Michael Roach.
“We’ve trained in the gym again this week and, if the game goes ahead irrespective of conditions, we expect a very different result from our last outing against Metro.
“We’ll make some changes for this opponent, but I also expect the players to be highly motivated to do well given our previous result against them.”
Taroona face a difficult away game against third-placed Beachside at 6.30pm on Saturday and any result other than a win for Taroona can only favour Metro’s push for promotion.
Taroona’s Ben Schaap, Ruaidhri Carey and Lucas Wyatt are all overseas, while Daniel Palmer tore a hamstring at training last week and will miss the game.
Toby Dove has returned earlier than expected from a broken collarbone and will slot straight back into the starting line-up and will add some pace up front for the visitors.
“It is hard to know what shape we are in with so many cancelled training sessions and games over the last month,” said Taroona coach, Ben Horgan.
“But, we trained well this week, so, hopefully, we will be pretty sharp for this game, which is an important one for us to win to stay in touch with Metro.”
Beachside retain the team that played against Nelson three weeks ago, which was the last time they played.
“Having not played or trained outdoors in nearly a month, due to the weather and the fact Division One has an unnecessary bye in the roster, will not have helped our progress,” said Beachside coach, Nathan Robinson.
“All the players are eager to get back to playing, however, and Taroona will present a significant challenge.
“Craig Pitt, who has come out of retirement, will continue in the reserves this week.”
Fifth-placed Hobart United host bottom-side Christian United at Pontville on Saturday and should continue their improvement and climb up the ladder.
Christian will miss the injured Brodie Whayman, but Jesse Arnold could be back in contention after overcoming an ankle injury, while Ashley Page is a doubtful starter but may make the bench.
5 comments:
Will Metro come out all guns blazing for their new coach?
Taroona v Beachside game should be a ripsnorter!
Metro Hang on a minute - The club issued a statement saying that Chaffey had been initially appointed on the proviso that if someone more qualified or suited to the position came along, a change would be made.
The u/19's coach didn't just come along, he's been there all year hasn't he. No wonder Chaffey was stunned Walter. That's a joke Metro
"kick off"
That subject has been and gone.
Time to move on.
New coach is on a hiding to nothing.
Eleventh seventy, I believe you are very close to a certain D.Chaffey, still a bit of a sore point? Wouldn't blame u if it was. Wish to elaborate?
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