By Joseph Ibic
Craigieburn City has appointed Nick Murphy as senior coach for the rest of the FV state league 2 north-west season.
Murphy described his appointment as a great honour and a “really nice show of faith by the committee and everyone behind the scenes to appoint me.”
Murphy concedes that a lot of pressure comes with his new position, with previous coach Michael Loche leaving a great and lasting legacy at the club.
Loche was the side’s inaugural coach and made the call to step down after giving everything to the role.
“If it wasn’t for Michael I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Murphy said.
From his time so far at the club Murphy believes that they have a nice young group of lads, who have started their first senior experience and are heading in the right direction, but just need to sharpen up on one or two things.
Murphy will be aided by assistant coaches Joe Arta Villa and Matt Turco, who bring with them a wealth of experience and some new voices in the role.
“Joe has such big experience of coaching across NPL [National Premier League] and state leagues and brings a great new voice,” he said.
“Matty Turco has been around the club for such a long time and has great experience with the lads.”
According to Murphy, Turco also has a great network of contacts which is crucial for recruiting new players to the club.
Murphy acknowledged that the current season has been tough for the club so far with them currently sitting ninth and in the relegation battle.
The club has been riddled with injuries suspensions this year resulting in a tough run so far.
Murphy said that they want to try and finish as high on the table as they can.
The club also has goals for the rest of the season relating to development aiming to develop a lot of our younger players into senior players moving forward, for the next few years to come.
