New Whittlesea Ranges coach Tony Ciantar’s first aim this season is to get the side out of the relegation battle in National Premier League 2 west.
Ciantar, who was announced as the Ranges’ new coach last Monday, replaces Gianfranco Impellizzeri after a mutual decision between the two parties.
Ciantar previously coached at Sunshine George Cross, having parted ways with that club earlier this year.
He said he was very happy to stepping back into the NPL coaching ranks.
“I’m super excited to be back at the helm,” he said. “I knew it was only a matter of time.”
Ciantar knows he doesn’t have an easy task ahead of him.
The Ranges are in ninth place after a big defeat at the hands of Dandenong at the weekend.
“Hopefully, we’ll get the results we need to get out of the relegation area,” Ciantar said. “I’m not coming in to win championships this year. We want to avoid relegation.”
Ciantar said reaction from the playing group had been positive.
“It’s pretty much a fresh start,” he said. “I don’t really know to much about the boys and their abilities. I’ll soon find out.
“We are going to create a playing style and hope they can buy into it and what I’m looking to achieve.”
He said the club would look to add a couple of players during the transfer period, but admitted it would be difficult.
The Ranges have lost former Socceroo Simon Colosimo, with the club confirming his departure on its Facebook page.
