Salisbury West appoints coach Darrel McIntyre as amateur football club begins rebuild

DARRELL McIntyre vowed his coaching days were over when he stepped down as Salisbury West’s long-time junior mentor in 2008 - now he has returned to help save the Tigers.

DARRELL McIntyre vowed his coaching days were over when he stepped down as Salisbury West’s long-time junior mentor in 2008.

“I hit a brick wall and knew the week before the kids won the grand final I’d never coach again,” recalls McIntyre, the Tigers’ junior coach from 1987-2008.

“I’ve stuck to that so far and haven’t really had the urge.”

But McIntyre, affectionately known as “Blondy”, says he felt compelled to return to the sidelines this month to help the club survive.

The former A-grade captain and half-back flanker in the club’s 50th anniversary team is its new senior coach.

His appointment caps a roller-coaster few months for the Tigers, who have lost several A-grade players since finishing runner-up in division four after some were not paid in full this year.

“With what was happening at the club, I thought I’d put my hand up.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, it just never ever happened.

“The blood’s boiling again.”

McIntyre, also a former Salisbury West junior football chairman, has been mainly a spectator over the past six years and also volunteered, umpiring lower grade games.

His sons DJ, 24, and Travis, 18, will play for the club next season, while older son Scott, 29, is also a chance.

He expects to fill the role of coach, recruiter and club spruiker in coming months as the Tigers try to muster enough players to fill A and B grade teams.

“I think I’ve got the ability to take some of these guys back to the club to make sure we’re still viable with two competitive sides.

“People like me have to make sure there is a club for guys to come back to.”

McIntyre says the Tigers plan to stay in division three and hope to be competitive.

“Things could get tough but I’ve got make sure I keep the players up for it.”

If you are interested in joining the Tigers, call Darrell McIntyre on 0421 831 342