EFNL 2021: Marcus Buzaglo appointed South Croydon coach

Eastern Premier club South Croydon has locked in its new mentor – with an East Ringwood premiership star returning to senior coaching.

Marcus Buzaglo calling the shots during his East Ringwood coaching tenure. Picture: Stuart Milligan

South Croydon has locked in its new senior coach – with another former East Ringwood star set to lead the Premier club.

Marcus Buzaglo will return to the senior coaching ranks with the Dogs in 2021 following Luke McCormick’s resignation in late January.

Buzaglo enjoyed a decorated playing career in the Eastern league, captaining East Ringwood and featuring in the club’s 2002 top-tier premiership, with multiple Team of the Year gongs along the way.

He later served as the ‘Roos’ coach from mid-2014 when the club competed in the top division until stepping away at the end of its 2019 campaign in the second tier.

Buzaglo landed at South Croydon under ex-Roos teammate McCormick as senior assistant for what was meant to be season 2020.

Buzaglo succeeds ex-Roos teammate McCormick in the Dogs’ top job.

South Croydon president Steve Duke said Buzaglo’s knowledge of the club’s list along with his passion for the league and experience coaching in the top-flight made him the preferred candidate in a strong field.

“That was certainly something in his favour that he’d had a chance to get to know the list,” Duke said.

“He certainly got to know the list and their abilities and build that rapport which was an important part of taking the reins at this late stage.

“Certainly his passion and his knowledge of the EFL, and the opponents to a degree – that was certainly in Marcus’ favour as well.”

Duke said Buzaglo’s passion to return to coaching following a break was evident in the interview process.

“I think when he finished up at East Ringwood he always wanted to coach again – it was just a case of having a bit of a break,” he said.

“When this opportunity came up of coaching a successful club in Premier Division it was certainly an appealing role and whilst he wasn’t actively seeking it initially, when it opened up and it became an opportunity he really warmed to the idea.

“He got that bug of wanting to coach again and his passion shone through in the interview.”