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An inexperienced Warkworth Men’s First football team is set to lead a rebuild at the club, following a lack of progression between its junior and senior sides.
The need for more pathways between the teams at the club was recognised last year by then head coach Cam Gray, after a number of senior players started to retire.
However, current head coach Ross Millar says following the departure of more experienced players this year, a number of juniors have been fast tracked into the First team to fill gaps.
“We have just three experienced players in the squad this year and the rest are young, with a number of them having never played reserves football,” Millar says.
New players include Kyal Wells, Bayley Webb and Liam Spurr, who still plays First XI football at Mahurangi College before club matches.
“All of the players coming through are very talented, and I have no doubt that the potential for a winning team is there, but learning to read the game at this level will take them time.
“I’m hoping the core of the team we have now will remain relatively similar over the next few years so we can develop the talent that’s here.”
Even though the holes have been patched by the influx of young players, Millar says more is required to permanently fix the problem.
“For some reason, the pathways just aren’t there for our young footballers and we may need to look at establishing better ties with Mahurangi College to solve that issue.
“It’s a big step up from U17 level to First team football and with no team left in that age group, I don’t know where our next group of players will come from unless we get some more systems in place.”
He says injuries and the confirmed departure of two players later this season will present more immediate challenges.
The First team is in the bottom bracket of its table with a string of tough results and a large negative goal differential.
“Our midfield can compete with any in this competition, but there is work to be done with both our defence and attack.
“Inability to make the final pass or finish has kept us from scoring goals and poor errors on defence have seen us concede, which means we can’t apply pressure on our opposition.”
However, Millar is confident his team can avoid relegation this year.
“We can definitely beat most teams in this competition if things come together.
“Although we would like to win, realistically this year developing players and maintaining a mid-table position will be a success for me.”
