Luc Doherty and Rob Caponecchia appointed Myrtleford co-coaches

The Savoys have turned to former mentor Rob Caponecchia and English import Luc Doherty to co-coach the side in 2021.

Caponecchia last coached Myrtleford in 2010 and 2011 and has remained involved in the club at junior level since.

After former co-coach and president Park relocated to Queensland last year, the club felt now was the right time for a change.

"Matt and Jayden did a fantastic job, but I think it's time for a new voice and Jayden wanted to concentrate a bit more on his goalkeeping," Caponecchia said.

ALSO IN SPORT:

"I've been coaching juniors and decided this year Luc and I will have a go and see how we go with the seniors.

"We'll discuss things, but he'll do most of the training because I won't be able to get there too often with work.

"He'll play and I'll be on the sidelines and we'll see how it all pans out."

COVID-19 rules have made it hard for clubs to bring players in with international experience, but Caponecchia said there is plenty of young talent at the club.

"There were some good young kids there before COVID happened that looked quite good, so I think it will be an opportunity to develop them," he added.

"The numbers are good and we just want to concentrate on our local boys and the existing players."

Doherty joined Myrtleford midway through the 2019 season and played a handful of league matches before finals.

He was disappointed COVID brought an end to his plans in 2020, but he's stuck with the club and can't wait for a return to the pitch.

"Rob has got a brilliant footballing brain and I think I can bring a fitness side to it as well," Doherty said.

"I've been lucky enough to play for some great sides back home and under some ex-professional players (Ian Chapman and Stuart Tuck).

"I think I'll be able to replicate what they gave to us in terms of the setup and tactical awareness they had.

"The way they had the club set up was very strict, but it worked wonders for them. I'd like to take a bit of what they had and implement it into our coaching."

Doherty said it was important he doesn't get overawed by the achievements of Park and Vescio, who took the side to league titles in 2017 and 2018 and a cup treble from 2016 to 2018.

The Savoys have managed to hold on to Azia Feltrin for the 2021 season and Doherty believes young gun George Hamilton can have a huge impact this year.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: