Tara Murray
New Green Gully coach David Chick is looking forward to a new opportunity in the National Premier League.
Chick, who coached Hume City for most of this year’s NPL season, said a lot of things had changed in the last few months.
“It was not what I was expecting a few months back,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity at a really good club.
“They’ve got a lot of history and have been around for a long time. They’ve got some impressive people and I’m looking forward to it.”
Chick said when he joined Hume City that he was hoping that it would be for a long time.
But with changes at the club, he felt it was no longer the right fit.
“There’s been lots of changes in the last year,” he said. “The intention was to be there for a long time.
“The first time I was there for a long time and I was hoping to do something similar. Things change quickly and you have to find the right fit for yourself and the club.
“We had talks between both sides.”
Chick said he leaves Hume City on good terms.
In his time at Hume, the club made the finals in the NPL, Dockerty Cup and Australia Cup.
“We had a great year,” he said. “We played in some big games and there was a lot of preparation and time spent away from families.
“It’s a big commitment to not be playing in something at the end of the season.
“We had some good moments which were shared with the people at the club. I think we ran out of steam towards the end.”
Chick said he was excited for the new challenge at Green Gully. The Cavaliers finished in 12th spot this year with just six wins.
Stephen Downes started the season as coach before he was replaced by Ramon Falzon for the back part of the season.
“The aim is to play finals football,” he said. “Dandenong City got promoted and played finals this year which shows it can be done.
“There’s a few teams that have a hold on the top six but there’s spots up for grabs. We want to be in the big games and we’re hungry to have a better year.”
Chick said the club has some really good people and a good facility which also attracted him to the role.
He said they are looking at the long term and what they can do over three or four years.
Chick’s already down to work.
“I’ve hit the ground running and working on the squad and making some of those decisions,” he said.
Hume City in a statement on social media that the club supports his decision as he embarks on a new chapter of his senior coaching career.
“David has been an integral part of Hume City FC and his contributions have been invaluable,” the club said. “We wish David all the best.”
