WITH the Strikers ready to kick things off with a trial in Canberra tomorrow, there will be a considerable lack of jolly Englishmen.
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Premiership winning coach Robin Caulfield has hung up his boots.
The Yorkshire man has confirmed he has stepped down from the position due to outside commitments.
It’s a decision not taken lightly.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of last year. It was the first time they won in their history and I’m proud to have been a part of that,” Caulfield said.
“At the end of the day and after a lot of thought I think I’ve made the correct decision.”
A new coach has been identified and is expected to be officially announced by the club in the coming weeks.
Caulfield said they would inherit a quality team. But by no means does this mean his end with football.
“I’ve been with the Strikers for two years. That team overcame a lot of hurdles to achieve what they did,” he said.
“I’ll try to remain at an arms length I think.”
“Football is in my blood. When you’re a player who enjoyed it so much, you want to give back to the game that gave you that enjoyment, any way you can.”
Regardless of situation, with the club coming into the season as reigning state league three premiers, there are high hopes the club can continue their form.
They have their first test tomorrow, with a trial match against the O’Connor Knights in Canberra.
Captain David Albrighton said the majority of the side has remained intact and that he was hoping the players have been able to maintain their fitness.
He believes the Knights are a good kick start.
“They’re a strong team that play a league above us,” he said.
“They’re premier league quality and only aren’t because of their junior system. It’s going to be an interesting game.”