Ryan takes over from Robertson at Thistle

SLIDE RULE PRECISION: Gisborne Thistle player-coach Liam Ryan is one of the best distributors of the ball in the district. Picture by Paul Rickard

RIGHTBACK Liam Ryan has replaced Fred Robertson as coach of Gisborne Thistle for the remaining five games in the Central Federation League.

Ryan’s first job tomorrow, when the Jags host Red Sox Manawatu at Childers Road Reserve, will be to rebuild confidence after last week’s 4-0 loss to Taranaki.

Thistle director of coaching and former Gisborne City National League player Grant Thomson said the club wanted to thank Robertson for the work he had put in this season.

However, a breakdown in the relationship between coach and players meant it was no longer possible for Robertson to continue as coach.

Robertson had become increasingly frustrated in recent weeks with what he perceived as a lack of discipline. Team members received three red and eight yellow cards in the past two games.

The frustration boiled over last weekend and Roberston left the ground before the end of the game.

Thomson said it was disappointing that Robertson’s tenure had ended prematurely, but the focus was now on the game against Red Sox.

Ryan said he had not finalised his starting team for tomorrow.

“I’ve got a few different options with players coming back from suspension and injuries, although Corey Adams could be out with an injury,” Ryan said.

“If Corey is out, I might use Garrett Blair up front, and Reece Brew has come in from Carpet Court Thistle. The main thing is we have to lift our intensity from last week, play for each other and sort out our discipline.”