"We're trying to align the developing programmes of the under-15s, under-17s and so on with the under-19s tournament.
"From there, there's the continuity with developing the division one, prems and Central League," says Hughes, adding it's about nurturing youngsters who can represent Rovers before graduating to higher honours such as Central League and Bay United in the ASB Premiership in summer.
"We're also developing coaches and a pathway for them to the top level as well."
The club received eight applicants for the job, including hopefuls from outside the province as well as overseas.
"It'll be Brian and Bill's task to look at other positions."
Hughes says the club's commitment is to ensure coaches from the region are appointed.
"We want people brought up within the culture of the club."
Board member Graeme Sole clarifies: "It's implied rather than stated."
Club chairman Russell Booth adds: "We don't want it to be seen as no point in applying, so we want to encourage everyone to apply for Napier City Rovers jobs."
Hughes says the club recognises Robertson's coaching prowess.
"He runs the schools' community programme which has been around for three years," he says of the initiative that received a New Zealand Football award two years ago.
The club's annual under-19 youth championship, staged at Park Island every Labour Day weekend, is the envy of clubs around the country.
"They have taken the blueprint of our under-19s and are doing it at the under-17s," he says of the Central United (Auckland) tourney to which Rovers will send a team.
Robertson says it's a great opportunity after a three-year stint with the club as player, captain and assistant coach.
"It didn't take me much convincing to accept the role when they approached me because it's a great club."
The drive, he says, is to take the Blues back to the No 1 club in the country again. Whether Robertson will play next winter is "still up in the air".
Primarily, he has plans to go under the knife to overcome a few niggly injuries he has managed over the years.
"I may not play in the first three months so I'll maybe just coach but that is not confirmed.
"I may end up playing towards the end of the season," he reveals, suggesting the rest will put him in good stead for the Bay United campaign.
Selecting an assistant Blues coach is imperative "sooner rather than later".
"It'll be someone I can trust and who'll work towards the same plan."
He is anticipating a turnover of players, akin to two seasons ago, so recruiting new talent is on the agenda.
"There'll be a core group of players I have played with over the years who will still be there so, yes, we'll know what each other do and what our strengths are."
It was too early to say how many players will not return next winter but the Blues coaching stable will go through the process of individually interviewing them to get a better gauge on the matter.
Robertson says there's enough evidence among clubs, such as Wellington United, Miramar Rangers and Central United, to suggest a feeder role and pathway structures are pivotal to progress in football.
Consequently, Rovers will endeavour to fulfil that role in ensuring the Bay United franchise's catchment will be brimming with resources.
