A team of unknowns… and seemingly that’s the way that Knox like it.
The drop back to Division 2 gives the club the chance to consolidate, re-group and plan for another assault on Division 1. Vice-President Richard Ransom believes that it will be the younger brigade and a few unknown to EFL pundits that will form the changing of the guard in 2017.
2017 Leaders President – Joe Aiello Senior Coach – David Madigan Senior Captain – TBC What is the club’s ethos/focus in season 2017?
I’m not sure that we have cute catchphrase that sums up what we are about. As a club we want to be professional, sustainable and successful. We build our actions and expectations around this.
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.)?
Prior to Christmas the level of commitment was significant. We had new recruits, returning players and listed players working hard. Like every club we are hoping for some improvement across the board and in particular with our younger players, of which there are many.
A typical array of offers were made to our young players that had begun to show some ability in Division one. They are all staying on which says some really positive things about our club, they manner in which they view our club and their own characters.
Off the field has there been any changes to the structure of the club? And how are you situated heading into the 2017 season?
We have had a bit of turnover with coaching staff. Sturt Wynd returns to Knox to Coach the Reserves. Braet Adams and Mick Curtiss will coach the U19’s. Dave Carden will take on a director of coaching role that will include our Women’s team also.
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?
Well probably all our young players go under the radar. In fact that might be true of pretty much everyone at the club aside from Luke Williams. We are very proud of our young players – some of whom played over 10 games of senior football last year coming straight out of U17’s.
Where does the club see itself in 3 years time?
The key for our club is to keep this terrific group together. That’s is a challenge in itself. If we can do this and continue to develop over next three years the results will take care of themselves.
Finally, who in your Division do you feel is the greatest threat to your chances of success in 2017 and why?
The reality is they all pose threats and probably none more greater than the other. It is a new division for us so in that sense our own lack of intimate knowledge maybe considered a threat. Two sides exist on that coin. We are still in a developmental phase so our energy will be directed in playing the best brand of football we can. We’ll take each ‘threat’ as it comes.