John Irvine appointed Albury Hotspurs senior coach for 2022

Irvine has agreed to coach the senior men's team in 2022 following James Eggleston's decision to step down from the role.

The former goalkeeper and Hotspurs life member has huge coaching experience with the reserves and over-35s as well as a four-year spell in charge of the seniors previously.

Irvine will be assisted by Brian Vanega and Robert Tuksar and he believes Hotspurs are building on a solid base after finishing sixth this year.

"The club is in a very strong position," he said.

"We had massive numbers for first, second and third grade and that's our big strength, being able to draw up when players are away, ill or injured.

"'Eggy' did a great job last year but we were cruelled by what happened with the season.

"Our boys probably could have had a good shot at progressing well into the finals series."

Irvine will have a better idea of his squad after Christmas, with only one confirmed departure so far.

"A lot of our kids end up going to university so we've got to wait and see who makes up their mind on gap years and who decides to stay in Albury-Wodonga," Irvine said.

"We've lost Mitch Aitken, he came to the club last year and his partner's part of the University of NSW rural doctor program so they're moving up to the Central Coast.

"He's a quality player but a quality guy as well - and that's another strength of our club.

"We've got a very good bond with the three playing groups and that's what we'll keep working on."

Club president Brad Howard is confident Irvine will build on the good work started by Eggleston, with Hotspurs winning six of their 14 games this year and drawing four.

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"John's a big figurehead within the club and he has a lot of coaching credentials," Howard said.

"He put a lot of sessions on this year for the senior group.

"When James was away, he would take over and he's also learnt a lot from having Brian Vanega at the club.

"He's ready for a second opportunity to take the senior group and he deserves it.

"It's time for him to get back into the fold as the senior coach and the face of the senior men.

"He's got some handy assistants and that's what got John over the line, knowing he's got a lot of back-up and a wealth of knowledge behind him."

Zac Bonetti was best and fairest for 2021, with Kristian Hopwood named players' player, while best and fairest in the Division 1 women's side was Lily Godfrey.

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