Danny Moore couldn’t turn down the opportunity to coach Sunbury United in the FV state league 3 north-west next season.
Having played all his junior soccer at the club and been involved in other different roles, Moore had coached Gisborne for the last three and half years.
But when the opportunity arose to coach Sunbury next year, Moore threw his hat in the ring.
“I’ve got such a long association with the club beforehand,” he said.
“It’s a special place for me. I played my junior career there and up into the seniors.
“An opportunity came up and I put my hat in the ring and see what comes up. I’m really fortunate and grateful.”
Moore said the dream of coaching Sunbury had always been in the back of his mind, but not something he had really thought about the last couple of years.
He said his time at Gisborne, where he led the side to its best ever finish in state league 4 west this year, had made him a better coach.
“As I say to the players you’re always learning,” he said. “As a coach you see the game differently.
“My role at Gisborne has been a big learning curve as a senior coach. For me I’ve learned what works for me as a coach.
“What tactics and style works and doesn’t work. I feel like I’m better prepared this time round.”
Moore returns to Sunbury as the club goes through a period of change, with a new president also coming in.
Moore paid tribute to the work the former committee had done, but said the opportunity to help mould the future of the club was something he was looking forward to.
He takes over a side that finished fifth in state league 3 north-west with 10 wins.
Moore said there was a really good base to build from.
“I was fortunate enough that Sunbury played home games on Friday nights and being a Sunbury local I got down and watched a few games
“I saw first hand they were a very strong side with lots of talent and were really strong especially before the halfway mark.
“I know what the players are capable of.”
Moore said they would keep the core group of players together, while adding a few new pieces to the puzzle.
Moore said results wise the club was aiming to push up the ranks.
“The club has the ambition to filter up into state league 2, state league 1,” he said.
“I’ve never gone into a season without ambition. We want to be competitive and challenge anyone we play.”
