That’s the circuitous route taken by newly-appointed Wodonga Heart coach Brett Hughson.

The 27-year-old former striker has all but ruled out playing senior soccer next year as a result of a serious knee injury but is talking up the challenge ahead.

Heart failed to field a Division 1 side this year after finally breaking through to win a game a season earlier.

Hughson, who won a soccer scholarship to the University of Alabama in Huntsville playing in the Gulf State’s conference, said he would bring new ideas to formations and the pre-season.

His brother Andrew has played at Heart and is now on the committee.

“It will be very different to what people have become accustomed to,” he said.

“I had no intention of coaching when I came out to Australia but I started talking to the club and they are saying all the right things about where they are headed.

Club president Bill Sinclair is full of praise for the recruit.

Heart had banked on former Wangaratta import Neil Smith playing and coaching for the past two years but that fell over.

“We know for the club and the association that we need to be a part of the Division 1 competition,” he said.

“More importantly we need to be successful in that competition and are confident with Brett’s coaching and playing experience that he can help take the club forward.”