Hastings’ mission to build club, not just top team

Matt Hastings

HAVING too many players can be a headache for some coaches . . . who to pick, who to leave out, how to keep players happy. Gisborne Thistle first-team coach Matt Hastings is not of those coaches.

“Since the start of pre-season training, I’ve had 40 players turn up for sessions and I love it,” said Hastings, whose side play Port Hill United in Napier next Saturday in the first of five Central Federation League pre-season games. Hastings stresses these are pre-season matches, “not friendlies”.

“I want to win every game we play, starting next weekend. I’m going to have a look at a lot of the new players against Port Hill but we’ll also have a solid group of experienced players. And while I want to win, it is a good opportunity to see what some of the new guys, particularly the younger players, have to offer. It’ll be a good test for them.”

Hastings, in his first full season in charge since moving here from Napier, has continued to be impressed by two of the new boys — Lytton High School student Matt McVey, whose grandfather Duncan played one game for New Zealand (1962 against Fiji), and Tyler Barwick.

McVey is a midfielder with “a lot of potential” while EIT student and former Wairoa Athletic player Barwick is “a talented centreback, who could be used as a fullback”, Hastings says.

“Tyler has committed himself to the club and that’s great news . . . he’s very good technically”.

Hastings’ mission is to “build the club, not just the first team”.

“I want young players coming through from the reserve team (Carpet Court Thistle), who will be coached by Garrett Blair, which can only be good for the club. Garrett will coach the reserves in the same style the first team will play so if I have to call in or promote any of the reserves, they can slot in without having to worry about playing a different style.

“We encourage players to join the club. We are trying to build a club/team culture that will lay the foundation for the future. I want to mix young players with senior players who have good work and training ethics. We’ll be looking to create pathways for young players to go further in the game.

“I have contacts in New Zealand and overseas and would love to help some young players go on to become professional or semi-professional players.”

Hastings also said he was hoping to get this season’s federation games played on Sundays.

“That way I can watch the seconds (who play on Saturday) and keep an eye on their progress. As a former player, I know how players want to see the coach watching. You’re always wanting to impress the first-team coach to get that call-up.”