"It was enjoyable being assistant coach to Kenny Halliday in 2010, but when it all fell over, the dream was shattered. I said I'd never come back," he said.
United were a combination of the best players from Athletic and Wanganui City FC - coming runners-up in the 2010 Central Federation League, before being disbanded by the local clubs after the 2011 league went into recess when too many teams dropped out for financial reasons.
Despite Kerfoot's disappointment at the time, it seems his passion for the game could not be so easily extinguished.
While he may have been in the footballing wilderness for a few years, he was never too far from the game, being involved in less-intense coaching roles for Wanganui High School and Wanganui Girls' College.
He also got right back to grass roots with the local First Kicks programme, which, combined with being an avid supporter of his club side, rekindled the fire inside.
Kerfoot also stated he was pleased to be able to step into the head coach role and put his recently completed coaching diploma from Massey University to good use, which he admits has influenced some key changes in his coaching philosophy as well as enabling him to bring a more structured approach to the role.
However, he was quick to dismiss those who will look at his past achievements as the measure of things to come.
"I believe I've moved with the times and the sport, and I'm a more effective coach than I was in the 1980s and 90s," said Kerfoot.
"I think I had a reasonable knowledge of football in my previous stints as coach, but my knowledge of 'coaching' is vastly improved and I think that is the most valuable skill-set I bring to this latest role."
Referring to his previous tenures as player-coach in the 1980s, and successes in the mid 1990s as co-coach of Wanganui Athletic alongside Shane Wye, Kerfoot believes he can take the Reds to the next level which Wanganui football craves and bring about a return to the Central League for the city.
"Having been a player-coach in the eighties, I can empathise with the pressures that were on the coaching team last season. I think we can be an even better team than last year, on and off the field."
"I'm not the same coach I was 20 years ago and that's a positive thing.
"The players need something different and I hope I can give them the vital ingredient that gets them to the next level."
The tale of last season was telling for Athletic - Bryan Mackie was appointed head coach but stepped down during preseason for personal reasons, with the players taking over the coaching role.
While winning the Lotto Federation League, the Athletic squad struggled for depth and had no reserve team to support them.
Kerfoot stated it was crucial to look to address this weakness.
"I know I'll be measured by my results, but there's more to it than that.
"A good structure in the club is also key," he added, pointing out his goals were not just about winning trophies.
"I view this role as an opportunity to influence the future pathways for players and coaches in a club that I've been a member of since 1971.
"I joined as a 15-year-old schoolboy, and apart from one preseason with Wellington's National League squad in 1983, I've been a one-club man.
"I've been a life member since 1999, and I know I'll receive the support of my peers in the club for this new venture."
Hickling echoed Kerfoot's vision for the future.
"We are developing long-term plans for football here, and Steve will be a great catalyst towards us achieving our goals. We are very excited about the prospects that lie ahead."
Coming off the back of the successful 2014 campaign, which still ultimately fell short when they were well beaten by Wellington Stop Out in the Central League qualifiers, Athletic will need to ensure their implementation of goals match their ambitions of again reaching the top flight of football.
Kerfoot has already begun planning for a preseason programme in preparation to defend the club's 2015 Federation League title.
It is hoped his appointment will enable Athletic to secure the services of a core group of the 2014 squad, as well as attracting some new talent to become a force in coming years.
