Tara Murray
New Whittlesea United coach Andrew Marth’s break from coaching didn’t last long.
Having coached for more than 30 years, Marth was having a break after departing for FV state league 1 north-west side, Brimbank Stallions at the end of last season.
But when Whittlesea United came calling, Marth couldn’t say no to getting back into coaching.
Marth steps in following Andy O’Dell and assistant Craig Platt stepping down from their posts. O’Dell recently had surgery and would have missed the majority of the first half of the season.
“They looked to sign me at the start of the season but I wanted to have a bit of a break and have some family time,” Marth said.
“They called on Thursday if I would be keen. I had my first session last night [Tuesday] and I’m looking forward to facing Corio.”
Marth said while he would miss having his weekends free, he had missed coaching and being involved in the club environment.
Marth isn’t a complete stranger to Whittlesea United having coached against them in recent years.
“I’ve coached a couple of players at my previous club,” Marth said. “I know what the couple is about and I know where they want to be, at the top end and get promoted.
“It will be difficult but they have a pretty good team.”
Marth said he would like to add a couple more players to bolster the squad.
He takes over a side that is undefeated, with Whittlesea beating his old side the Stallions the week before.
Marth said he was looking forward to the Corio game.
“They have been my boogie team,” he said. “It will be a baptism of fire.
“Nothing less than three points is what I want.”
