By Tara Murray
Whittlesea United has pulled off one of the signings of the FFV state league off season, with former Turkish international Ersan Gulum named as the club’s playing coach for next season.
Gulum’s signing is another boost for the club which won the state league 2 north-west title this year.
It will play in state league 1 north-west next year, only two years after playing in state league 3 north-west.
United vice president Goksal Guler said it was exciting to have someone of Gulum’s experience at the club.
Gulum was born in Australia and played in Melbourne’s north-west growing up, including at the club that is now known as Hume City.
He played for Australia’s under-23 team, before playing seven internationals for Turkey’s men’s side.
“To be honest, he approached us by his own accord,” Guler said. “He heard what we were trying to do and wanted to give back to grass roots football.
“There’s a bit of lack of development in this country and he wants to share the knowledge that he has.”
Guler said it was very humbling that Gulum had noticed what the club had been doing the past couple of years and wanted to get involved.
He said Gulum wanted to help with the long term future of the club and hopefully eventually help it move into the National Premier League.
The club has also announced the signing of goalkeeper Savas Ozdemir, who also played in Turkey. Ozdemir said he was keen to join the club, knowing that Gulum was on board.
Guler said Ozdemir will also add experience to the squad and help teach the next generation of goalkeepers.
Guler said the two big name signings was enough and the club wouldn’t look to add too many more players.
“We want to give the current group the best opportunity,” he said.
“That’s how we’ve had success the last couple of years.
“We’ve kept the same guys and don’t want to change it too much.
“We think we have the group that can challenge in state league 1.”
Guler said he expected Gulum’s technical knowledge and motivational ability to play a big role in helping the side.
“We think it’ll increase us by five to 10 per cent,” he said.
“You’ve got someone who has played professionally. Even just watching him and the way he talks and approaches training will help the players.”
As well as being player-coach for the senior side, Gulum will be involved with the junior development at the club.
He’ll be special guest, along with another former Turkish international Gulcan Koca, at a clinic being held by the club next month.
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