EFL: Nunawading coach Ryan Dobson begins scouting for 2021
EFL Division 4 outfit Nunawading has begun work ahead of 2021, looking to address its key on-field needs. Senior coach Ryan Dobson explains what the Lions are in the market for, and how the salary cap reducation could benefit his club...
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Nunawading senior coach Ryan Dobson has backed the EFL’s salary cap cuts from 2021 as he begins work on bolstering the club’s playing stocks.
The Lions won three matches in 2019, including its first since 2015, with Dobson landing the head coaching gig at the end of the season.
The first-year mentor is set to lead the club again in 2021 under a two-year contract which will roll over into next season.
The Division 4 salary cap is expected to have a ceiling of $50,000 from 2021 and Dobson said while uncertainty around sponsorship has its challenges when re-signing players, the reduction could work in his club’s favour.
“As far as off-field goes, we’ve been trying to reassess where we’re at with what we can afford for next season, trying to shore up existing sponsors and working out what sort of package we can offer our key players and trying to lure a few guys over,” Dobson said.
“It’s hard to get anything in concrete because we just don’t know how much money will be available.
“I think the reduction to the salary cap, if clubs adhere to it, that should level out the playing field a bit.”
Dobson said work had begun on the recruiting front, with the club identifying a need for an extra ruckman, bigger-bodied midfielders and a key forward.
“I’ve already got a few guys on the radar as well for next season,” he said.
“Guys from other clubs that have verbally committed to the club that are 100 per cent ready to go but I’ve just got to literally meet up with them and finalise the paperwork, but it’s difficult not being able to meet face-to-face.”
While he described the season shutdown as “frustrating”, Dobson said the lay-off gave his young group a chance to build for next season.
“It’s not the worst thing in the world for us, with a young list, it’s another year where the guys can work on their body and strength and it won’t harm us hopefully too much,” he said.
“If we can shore up our sponsorship and get the players re-signed from last year, it should be another improvement for us – that’s a major focus.”
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