NFNL: Montmorency appoints Jono Manzoney as new senior coach

A familiar face has been appointed as Montmorency’s new coach for next season with several key factors behind his appointment. Here’s why.

New Montmorency coach Jono Manzoney with club president Greg Bowman. Photo: Facebook.

Montmorency has their man — and the club didn’t have to look far.

The Northern League club has announced Jono Manzoney as their new coach for the 2023 season,

Manzoney was previously an assistant to Garry Ramsay since 2019 and is now preparing to step into the top job as the Magpies look to remain in Division 1 premiership contention.

Club president Greg Bowman said there were several factors which stood out to him and the committee during the coaching process.

“His knowledge of the players and competition is outstanding and that’s an important trait to have in a coach,” he said.

“Jono by trade is a teacher so his communication skills are a real strength. He’s got great relationships with the players and has been a popular member of the coaching staff since day one.

“While he does get along with everyone, he has never been afraid to call a spade a spade which I think is very important.

“With this appointment, we’ve given the club some further stability which is probably more important than ever after the past few years.”

New Montmorency coach Jono Manzoney with club president Greg Bowman. Photo: Facebook.

Montmorency is expecting to maintain a large part of its senior playing list for next season.

But it has already been confirmed Lin Jong has departed the club after he signed with Eastern league Division 2 outfit Mulgrave, a club connected to where he played junior footy at Glen Waverley Rovers.

At the club’s recent presentation night, ruckman Liam Wale-Buxton took home the best-and-fairest in his first season at the club with backman Jai Robinson and Mitch Honeychurch rounding out the top three.

And Bowman said the club would be looking to add to their list.

“We’ve been active looking around,” he said.

“We were active before Garry informed us of his intentions and we’ve been active during the coaching search. Having a coach appointed certainly helps and we’ll continuing looking for the right people to join our club.”