United’s bold call: ‘I wouldn’t change anything’

Ahead of Tuesday’s Gold Coast NPL derby, Gold Coast United have made a brave call.

GOLD Coast United coach Kristian Rees insists he has no regrets about the selection decisions that prompted teenage duo Ryan Cavanah and Harry Saunders to leave the club.

Rees’ task of managing the delicate balance between on-field success and developing young talent was thrown into the spotlight last month when Cavanah (Easts) and Saunders (Surfers Paradise) opted to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

ROAR EYE COAST EXPANSION

Gold Coast United’s Harry Saunders.

Midfielder Cavanah arrived at United in the off-season following the collapse of Cairns FC, while rising defender Saunders was brought into the club’s senior squad after starring in the youth pathways in 2018.

Despite consistent appearances on the bench, both had struggled for game time in a Surfsiders outfit still fighting for a top-four NPL spot.

While first-year coach Rees conceded he was still learning at NPL level, he said he had a clear conscience in the wake of the drama.

EAGLES LAND COAST GREAT

“Everybody makes mistakes (but) I probably still wouldn’t change anything,” the former A-League veteran said.

“Obviously I was starting from scratch at the beginning of the season. Ryan turned up for a couple of sessions and worked really hard.

“He’s a good kid, he’s got good character and a good work ethic. If anything, I may not have signed Ryan (in hindsight) but I will always take a young boy that wants to work hard.

“Ryan struggled to get game time and with the times he did get a chance, he didn’t live up to expectations. Harry played a few games and he did well so I was happy with him.

“(But) I found out he trained with Nerang and as a club we don’t stand for that kind of thing so we severed ties. I wish him all the best.

“I will never stop boys (leaving). If they don’t want to be at the club and work, they can leave whenever they want.”

Now 11 points adrift of the top four, United are seemingly out of the finals race as they prepare for Tuesday’s 7pm derby at home to Gold coast Knights.

However, Rees said the campaign had been nothing but positive.

“I’m really happy with how we’re going, the way we’re playing and the progress the squad has made throughout the year. The club is going in the right direction,” he said.

“It’s hard (as a coach) but that’s part of what we’re trying to do, find that balance of getting results and developing the young players and bringing them through. It’s also bringing them through at the right time.

“Physically, to go from the 20s to the first team, it’s a big step so it’s something that I’m learning as well. Some of the boys we have brought through have done a good job.

“I think the talent is there.”