And he will do it wearing two major hats this season.

Grant is the co-coach of Gunnedah United. He and Richard Churchill organise and run the first and second grade sides for United and have done for a few years now.

Grant is also the NISL chairman, taking over the top job from Gary Pinkerton.

He said previous NISL chairmen such as Pinkerton, Dave Jennings and Phil Wheaton had done an admirable job.

"They've laid the groundwork. It's my job to keep it going and promote soccer in the area," he said.

"That's my aim, to make sure all the clubs are happy. I've got plenty to learn about running meetings but I've gone in with an open mind and no hidden agendas."

The progression from player, player/official, coach/official to chairman is something of a humourous trail, he said.

"I always fought with authority."

As coach of United he's going to have a busy enough time as it is.

While Churchill attends to the discipline of the players and managing of the team, Grant concentrates more on the skills and tactics of both first and second grades.

"We've registered 20 players so far," he said.

"The only worrying thing is we haven't got a second grade keeper yet."

United has lost a number of players such as Dave Elliott, Mick Hill, Daniel Gumbleton, Brock Spradbrow and Jon Mills from last year's lineup.

"So we'll have a different side," he said.

"I'm happy with what we've got though. We've got a lot of speed there and no-one big."

He said the club was also striving for a mateship and team harmony theme in 2004, trying to involve mates Dave Mutton and Jamie Bush in a solid platform for the club.

United plays its second trial of the new season against Oxley Vale Attunga at Federation Park this weekend. Then it has its Gunnedah Seven-A-Side tournament on April 3. Only Demon Knights is coming from Armidale but North Companions, Hillvue Rovers and Kootingal have entered two sides for a competition offering cash prizes.

"We'll have 12 teams and split it into two pools and give everyone a good run," he said.