Outgoing Murray United coach Elliot Jones has reflected on the highs and lows of his two years in charge of the Border NPL 2 outfit. He caught up with The Border Mail's BEAU GREENWAY ahead of his final three games at the helm.
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BG: How tough was it to stand down?
EJ: Definitely tough. I love the club and the playing group and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time in the role. Unfortunately with increasing family and work commitments, the decision had to be made. I just couldn't commit the time required.
BG: Were you offered another year if you wanted it?
EJ: Yes. The club was happy for me to continue.
BG: What were some of the highlights of your two years in charge?
EJ: We've had a couple of great derby wins against GV (Goulburn Valley Suns) and knocked off Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory in my time here, which is always a satisfying feeling. Probably last year's game against Nunawading though, with Zac Walker scoring the winner with basically the last kick of the game. He was put through on halfway by 'Dunny' (Ashley Dunn) and found himself one-on-one with the keeper and time stood still. That's probably my favourite football moment. There was so much riding on that game and the combination of joy and utter relief was incredible. Zac was mobbed on halfway after the goal and half the bench and a couple of chairs ended up out on the field. The biggest highlights though are being able to reward a young player with their first senior start - I've been fortunate enough to do that with a few players and it's always a special moment. There is so much young talent at the club.
BG: Is it hard to believe you had the chance to coach two Socceroos?
EJ: We've been very fortunate to have had Archie (Thompson) and Jade (North) involved. I think externally people would look at it like it's a big deal - which it certainly is - but these guys are so incredibly humble and down to earth that sometimes as a club we forget just how lucky we are. They are amazing footballers who have achieved so much at the highest level - but they are also outstanding people. I've told Arch and Jade I better grab a photo with them because in 10 years time nobody will believe me (laughs).
BG: What were some of the tougher moments?
EJ: It's a tough league. It's unrelenting and mistakes get punished and you need to be on your game consistently. There have been some really tough losses and late goals in games that can really knock the stuffing out of you. But it's just football and those tough moments help mould you as a person and also as a team.
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BG: Is it tough to concede Murray will be playing in division three next season?
EJ: We set goals at the start of the year to stay in NPL 2, but the reality is we didn't win enough games to stay up. In a 28-round season you can't have too many complaints with your ladder position at the end of the year. We had enough chances and we accept that. There will be seven other NPL 2 clubs that will join us in NPL 3 next season. This presents as another great opportunity for the talented seniors and youth of our region to come forward and be a part of a very good standard of football in Victoria.
BG: Is there anything the club needs to do next season to win its way back to division two?
EJ: The great news is that next year is only a 22-round season, with a six-round reduction and the introduction of a new four visa player rule. This will certainly help regional clubs prepare and be in better shape to launch into a shorter NPL season. I feel we have some real talent coming through, if we can continue to develop and bring the younger generation through, I have no doubt that we can bounce back up to NPL 2. The shorter season will help, I believe if the local players can really get behind this, the talent is certainly there and I'd love to see some more players step up from AWFA and test themselves.
BG: How much have you taken away from the experience?
EJ: I feel it's been great for my own personal development, I've developed a thick skin and it's probably given me some real perspective. I came from a local team that had a lot of success over the years, so this has been a real challenge from week to week. I've enjoyed the fact that we are in a lot of ways punching above our weight and taking on some big, established clubs in Melbourne. I'm proud of Murray United and sometimes success isn't just measured by wins and losses.
BG: Has it changed you in any way?
EJ: I've stacked on the kilos and added a few more grey hairs (laughs). I think again it's really given me some perspective on what success can look and feel like and I've really enjoyed just trying to help the club achieve and grow.
BG: Do you feel you have left the side in a stronger position than when you started?
EJ: I think the squad has evolved, some players are moving on and getting a bit older and the younger players are coming through. That's exciting and really positive and this is something all clubs go through. Each year our juniors develop and we have now been in the league for five years - the youth coming through are hardened to the rigours of NPL which is important.
BG: Will you remain involved at the club?
EJ: I'll help out in any way I can. Discussions are ongoing with (chairman) Darren Yates and (technical director) Adam Carty and I'm happy to help the club in any way I can.
BG: Would you consider coaching again in some capacity next season or in future years?
EJ: I won't be coaching next season. It's definitely something I may pick back up in a few years when I have the time again. I'll never stop learning and studying the game, but it will also be nice next year to just watch a game of football without analysing every aspect of it.
BG: Anyone you would like to thank?
EJ: Obviously Darren Yates, Adam Carty and the board for their faith in me and their ongoing support over the two years. Along with the playing group - they are the reason I coach and the reason I put my hand up in the first place. I coach for them. All the coaches at Murray and notably the senior staff and my assistants, it's not a one man job that's for sure. There are a lot of people behind the scenes that put a lot of work into Murray United - they know who they are. We have an amazing group there. I obviously also need to thank my partner Rach and my family.