EFL: Panthers president optimistic as club resets in season lay-off
Its on-field record of the past two years has yielded little to cheer about, but here’s how the Chirnside Park boss believes his club’s fortunes can turn around in season 2021 …
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Chirnside Park president Adrian Birt is optimistic about his club’s direction as it resets in the season shutdown following a dire past two years.
The Panthers have struggled with winless seasons across 2018 and 2019, with their last victory coming in the final home-and-away round of season 2017, in the Eastern Football League’s third tier of competition.
The club was relegated following season 2019 and will compete in Division 4 next year – the fifth tier under the competition restructure.
But with no football played in 2020, Birt said his club has been given a much-needed chance to refresh as it looks to prepare for next season.
“We’re under no illusion, we know where we finished in 2019,” Birt said.
“For us, we can only go up, and we will. We keep saying to our supporters, just hang in there, the wheel’s going to turn and we’ll be fine.
“In some ways, it’s a good thing that we’re not playing because it’s giving us a chance to set ourselves without any interruptions, or anything like that, for season 2021.”
Senior coach Dave Newlands has re-signed for next season, along with experienced playing-assistants Grattan Stephens and Trent Russell.
Further signings, which are yet to be announced, are in the pipeline at Kimberley Reserve.
“The club’s thrilled that they’re ready to step up again – our club and most people would be aware of how challenging this time has been,” Birt said.
“With some new signings coming, we think that our 2021 season is going to be a very memorable one.”
The EFL is yet to make an announcement on its salary cap numbers for 2021, but Division 4 is touted as a $50,000 player payment ceiling.
Birt backed the move and believes next season can provide the opportunity struggling clubs to bolt up the ladder.
“Having the salary cap reduced, and having most leagues throughout Victoria on the same as what we are, is wonderful,” he said.
“It basically means that players that may think to go elsewhere chasing more money in the same division, unless a club has got spare cash, it’s going to be virtually impossible.
“I think 2021 is going to be a year where we’ll see some dark horses come out of nowhere (and) it gives everyone the opportunity to really look at their list.”
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