Waiting in the wings is never easy when it comes to missing out on Premiership glory. However Forest Hill, in its 50th season, is ready to eliminate its previous record in Grand Finals and in their own words go one step better in 2017. Senior Coach Martin Stillman commences his second season at the helm with the view to not only build a side capable of reaching the pinnacle of Division 4 but more importantly being competitive in Division 3.
2017 Leaders
President – Wayne Coleman Senior Coach – Martin Stillman Senior Captain – To be appointed
What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
#OneStepBetter2017 In the Clubs 50th year – the Forest Hill Football Club is totally committed to going one step better than 2016 in season 2017.
Great picture from @foresthillfc early days as the club celebrates its 50th year in season 2017 #50in17 pic.twitter.com/pszYIFtmkc — Martin Stillman (@Martin_Stillman) February 7, 2017
What has the pre-season been like so far for the club, is there any group that have really impressed (younger players, veterans, new recruits etc.)
The Clubs Pre-Season training sessions have been extremely well attended, with a great deal of enthusiasm exhibited by the playing group. All the new recruits have fitted into the club well.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
Off-Field Brian Burgess has been appointed Senior Assistant Coach and Sean O’Sullivan has joined the club as another Senior Assistant Coach. Matthew Peterson last year’s Senior Assistant Coach takes over as the reserves Coach and will also assist the senior coaching staff on match days.
There is has been a change to the clubs Under 19 structure, with Forest Hill and Blackburn aligning to form the Forest Hill Panthers – a team that will play in the Division 4 competition and will provide further opportunities for players to play football at Under 19 level.
If you could take one thing you learnt from the 2016 season to improve this year, what would it be?
Kick for goal straighter in the games that matter.
Who are the players who you think will have a break-out season, who may have gone under the radar in the past as far the being known across the EFL community?
Don’t like to individualize players all 22 that take the field are as important as each other
Where does the club see itself in 3 years’ time?
Division 3, pushing towards Division 2.
Finally, who in your Division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
The great thing about division 4 is the competition is so even, Donvale, Glen Waverley Hawks, Kilysth and Surrey Park are all legitimate finals contenders while Coldstream and Fairpark have recruited well, no game is easy and at least 6 teams if not more will be considering themselves as finals contenders in 2017.