Athletic coach thinks big for 2015

ON THE BALL: Wanganui Athletic club president Brian Hickling, 1st team coach Steve Kerfoot, sponsor Bernie Reuters and club patron Bryan Stewart.PHOTO/SUPPLIED 19122014WCSUPDEVON

New Devon Homes Wanganui Athletic coach has confirmed his team's manager for 2015 and is busy securing the services of all of the 2014 squad in line with his plans for rapid expansion.

Steve Kerfoot was announced as the new 1st team coach in November. He took over from the group of players in the team's leadership group who had handled training themselves, in a season where they won the Federation League title but came up short in their Central League qualifiers.

Ian Smith will complete Kerfoot's staff as manager, while the head coach is planning a squad muster in the New Year to brief all those interested on his plans.

"These players will form the basis of a very strong squad but we are wanting to build numbers so a reserve team can compete in Manawatu," Kerfoot said.

"We want all players getting exposure to quality football this season as we look to up the standard even further."

Athletic have also confirmed Devon Homes will stay on board as principle sponsor, after governing director Bernie Reuters renewed the deal for a second season.

"Last season's sponsorship was a bit of a 'try it and see' for us but I was pretty happy with how it worked out, and even happier with the way the team performed," said Reuters.

"We are excited about where things are going.

"Steve Kerfoot's appointment as head coach is a good step in the right direction and I see the team only getting better next season."

Club president Brian Hickling said their main sponsor was critical to the team's success.

"To carry that on into next season gives us the confidence to push on with our plans.

"Now that Bernie is back on board we are looking to re-sign all our other sponsors as soon as possible, so we can confirm the details of our planning."