Hume City has appointed club stalwart Colin Cooper as its Senior Head Coach after winning one out of their last five matches.
Cooper has a wealth of experience and has been in charge of the club’s Under 21’s squad this season.
With decades years of experience in the bank, Cooper explained he was prepared for the position and will make the most of his opportunity.
“To a degree, it is a surprise because it all happened so quickly,” he recalled.
“But knowing the club and how much it values loyalty and hard work, it’s not that great of a surprise.
“We all feel I am ready, and I am so grateful.”
After spending years at the club, his appointment proves hard work pays off.
“I have been at the club for many years doing a lot of different roles, anything from the NPL Technical Director to being the inaugural coach of a players academy we started up a few years ago,” Cooper said.
“It’s one of those club appointments where I have come through the ranks at the one club.
“It is a bit of a message to our juniors, our 21s, and the people around the club that if you do put in the hard yards and continue to put your head down you can achieve things and get promoted just like I have.”
Cooper started his coaching journey at 23 years old, getting his first gig as a player/coach at Moreland City. He is also a Physical Education teacher at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School (PEGS), where he coached the school’s First XI side for 25 years.
Given his mid-season appointment, Cooper will be leaning on his coaching staff to continue to build relationships with the playing group.
“One thing I have been really keen to do since I have started is to give a lot of respect to what has already been before me,” he explained.
“I have got Cameron Watson (Assistant Coach) and Savas Ozdemir (GK Coach) helping me out and they have been a constant for half a season so far, I am trusting in a lot of their judgment.
“I want to work as close to them as I can and be humble enough to know that they are such a huge help to me and to trust the process.
“My main thing right now is earning the players' trust, we worked well together this week, once we have trust between all of us, I think it maximises our chances of success.”
Cooper begins his journey at the helm this Saturday night against Dandenong Thunder at Hume City Stadium at 6:30 pm.
“It’s a big clash given how close we are on the ladder, we’re looking forward to it,” he proclaimed.