Riverina Rhinos coach Ross Morgan is set to take the reins of the Wagga City Wanderers’ senior side next season.
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Morgan was both the senior coach and technical director at the Rhinos, as well as the development officer for the Griffith and District Football Association.
Wanderers director Brendan Flanagan said the club was thrilled to secure Morgan’s signature.
“We’re delighted to have someone of Ross’ calibre join our already strong and vibrant program and culture,” Flanagan said.
“His experience and philosophy of coaching will be an excellent fit with the outstanding work our existing coaches - Mick Godbier and Andrew Mason - have been doing with our very strong under 20s and under 18s squads.
“We believe that these three coaches will work extremely well together and we are looking forward to an exciting and successful season ahead.”
Morgan replaces outgoing coach Ben Schmid, who last month announced he would be stepping down to pursue opportunities in Wollongong, possibly with the Wollongong Wolves.
Morgan said he was looking forward to making a start with what he believes is a club that is going places.
“I’ve been watching the club from afar for the past couple of seasons and you can see they’re well run,” he said.
“They put a lot of effort into their academy and that has shown over the past couple of years at various levels.”
The Wanderers’ extremely youthful senior side finished in last place this past season, with just two wins and a draw to show for their 18 games, and Morgan is hoping to attract some of the Pascoe Cup’s best players back to the state league club.
“The club has had such a young base over the past few years and I think it will be key to secure some experienced local players to add to the mix,” he said.
“I understand that players can be very loyal to their local clubs, but I think it would be great if they could work it so they’re benefiting from both.
“There’s certainly some real quality there in the Pascoe Cup.”
Morgan also said he would not force a drastically different coaching style onto the players.
“I’ll fit in with what the club wants,” he said.
“My style will change a little according to the club’s needs.”
Morgan is expected to join the team in the lead up to the club’s trials.
Trials are set for November 5 and 12 at 9.30am Rawlings Park for first grade, under 20s and under 18s.