The thought of being at the same soccer club as his family was too much for Michael Loche to refuse.
Loche, who coached Plenty Valley Lions in 2015, has joined Craigieburn City for next season.
He had originally planned to stay on to coach the Lions again next year.
“My brother and his brother-in-law set up the Craigieburn club two years ago and are president and vice-president,” Loche said.
“There’s been massive growth in the area and demand for a senior team.
“When Paul [Dugo, club president] approached me I didn’t think they would get it going so quickly.
“I’d have regretted not taking the role.”
Loche will be in charge of Craigieburn’s first state league side … City played on Sundays in the metropolitan league this year.
“We’re very ambitious and want to play in higher divisions and go through the ranks,” Loche said.
At least four Plenty Valley Lions players are following Loche to Craigieburn.
“It certainly gives a positive tick,” he said.
“Taner Altanhan, my captain this year, is coming across and so is Osama Huweil.
“Chris Nikolaidis, who’s Plenty Valley through and through, has decided to come across, as has Ahmad Bakri.
“These signings are the tip of the iceberg of who we are going to sign.”
