Mackay and Whitsundays relegated to QPL, identifies players for rebuild

Mackay and Whitsundays has officially been relegated to the QPL for 2022, but the team’s coach said plans were in place to keep the lower division visit a temporary one.

A long road to redemption awaits a flailing Mackay sporting club, but a renewed playing group and revitalised tactics will bring new life into the dormant side.

Magpies Crusaders were officially relegated from the National Premier League at the weekend with four rounds left in the season, and will play in the Queensland Premier League from 2022.

Mackay and Whitsundays coach Tom Ballantyne said the last four games of the NPL season would give the coaching staff a clear picture of how the squad will take shape next season.

“We want to put our best foot forward in these last four games, but we also want to continue to give the younger players a bit of a run in the senior side,” he said.

Magpies Crusaders United coach Tom Ballantyne will coach the Magpies Crusaders in the QPL in 2022. Picture: Alison Langevad

“There will be some turnover, we’re not quite sure how much yet, we’re starting to go through the process now and talk to existing players and those we’re trying to bring in.”

Inconsistency in front of goal and a lack of threats up front plagued the Magpies Crusaders throughout the season, with the side averaging less than a goal a game in its 22 matches.

Ballantyne said finding a consistent avenue to goal was important for the side.

“We’re looking for a striker, we’re looking to see what’s available and who’s interested in coming,” he said.

Magpies Crusaders United coach Tom Ballantyne will coach the Magpies Crusaders in the QPL in 2022. Picture: Alison Langevad

“I’ve spoken to a couple of players ... so we’re weighing up our options.

“We can start fine-tuning the list of players we want to bring in but we have to go through the process first and determine who’s going to stay.”

Mackay and Whitsundays will face stiff competition despite moving down a division, with immediate promotion not a certainty.

Ballantyne said the club was aware of a difficult battle back into the NPL.

“The boys are all quite pragmatic about the situation,” he said.

“We would like to get promoted back to the NPL as quickly as possible, but whether or not that’s possible next year or the year after that, there’s still some very strong teams in the QPL.”

Magpies Crusaders will play Brisbane Roar Youth on Saturday, October 9, at 6pm at Sologinkin Oval.

Originally published as Mackay and Whitsundays relegated to QPL, identifies players for rebuild