More the merrier for Jags coach

TIGHT MARKING: Napier Marist midfielder Matt Hastings (right) sticks close to Team Gisborne striker Kieran Ryan. Hastings is now coach of the Gisborne Thistle team for the Central Federation league, and Ryan is a member of the squad. Picture by Paul Rickard

GISBORNE Thistle coach Matt Hastings says having over 30 players at pre-season training sessions is “not a problem”.

“At our last training session we had 32 players turn up, but that’s OK. It means plenty of competition for places,” said Hastings, who is to name a 24-man Jags squad for the Central Federation League campaign, which starts in April.

“I’m happy to coach anyone who thinks they can make the team. Some might think 24 is too big but those players will train with me on Tuesdays, and that number will be cut to 16 to 18 for Thursday night sessions.

“The players who don’t make the matchday squads will play for the club’s other sides, which should help strengthen our Eastern League Division 1 teams — Massive and Carpet Court.

“I’ve also had a good number of young local players training. I would like to see them spread around the other Eastern League teams with the intention of not just developing Thistle as a club, but also the local competition.

“It’s great that the young players get to train with more experienced players and learn from them.

“It also means that if we have to call on them during the season they’re used to the systems we want to play.”

Hastings said that for the first of their four-pre-season games he would “probably” use players he did not see a lot of last season.

“The first game is away to Port Hill United but as I have already said, I want to win games. I want the players to have winning attitudes, whether it be in training, pre-season games or whatever.

“Whoever plays against Port Hill will be expected to step up.”

“With three goalkeepers — Ryan Majstrovic, Mark Baple and PJ Goodlett — all vying for one spot, that competition is going to be exciting.

“I’ve also been impressed with how well Kieran Ryan is training after having some injury problems last season.

“I’ve played against Kieran in the past and know how good a player he is. He’s looking really sharp and can play central midfield or up front. He’s technically very good and strong on the ball.”

The return of Ryan gives Hastings another option up front, where he also has the pace of brothers Corey and Josh Adams, and Josh Harris.

“A couple of other young boys — Matt McVey and Jack Feyen — have also been looking good in training.

“Matt is still at school (Lytton High) while Jack plays for United, but I’m happy for him to train with us.

“I have also emailed 10 other young players to see if they are keen to come to training.”