Paul Kennedy isn’t wasting any time after taking coaching reins at Romsey

Romsey is set to launch straight back into pre-season training with new coach Paul Kennedy looking to lay down a new game plan and get to know his players as quickly as possible.

Rowan Stott in action for Romsey. Picture: Rob Leeson

New Romsey coach Paul Kennedy is set to take his players back to school this RDFL off-season.

Kennedy wants to implement a whole new game plan in 2021 and isn’t wasting any time with the Redbacks set to return to pre-season from November 23.

The experienced coach has previously led Northern league clubs Hurstbridge and Diamond Creek and Heathcote in the Heathcote District league and was due to be an assistant at Airport West in the EDFL this year.

He takes the reins after Corey O’Sullivan, who stepped down in September due to family and work commitments.

Kennedy was looking forward to getting started.

New Romsey coach Paul Kennedy. Picture: Supplied

“They’ve got a lot to learn, we’re bringing a different style of footy and different game plan, so there’s a fair bit to teach,” he said.

“We’ll be a very good defensive side with a bit of flair. It’s based on defence first and attack second if you know what I mean.

“I was assistant coaching under Jimmy House and learnt a lot and I was very fortunate to get the Romsey job when it came up.

“The age of the group (appealed to me), there’s a lot of kids around 22-23 with a good core of players around 28-29 and a good group of under-19 kids coming through.”

Romsey finished second in 2019, boasting the second best attack (1978 points) and second best defence (751 points).

Angus Storey and Ben Way spoil Taylor Hine. Picture: Aaron Cook

However, it suffered a 37-point defeat to Diggers Rest in the qualifying final and 35-point loss to Wallan in the semi-final to crash out of the premiership race.

Bowen Medallist Jaidyn Caruana (Diggers Rest) departed last summer and key forward Joel Naylor (Hurstbridge) has already left this off-season.

Riddell District clubs will have a more competitive salary cap limit in 2021, $85,000, compared to the neighbouring Essendon District league which has been slashed to $100,000.

Kennedy says the club is in talks with some select recruiting targets but is also happy to promote from within.

RDFL: ROMSEY SECURES NEW COACH FOR 2021

LEADER: GET YOUR RIDDELL DISTRICT FOOTY NEWS HERE

RDFL: FORMER EDFL STAR SIGNS AT WOODEND-HESKET

MAP: WHEN LOCAL FOOTY TRAINING CAN RESUME

“We’re talking to a few, we don’t want to go overboard,” he said.

“We’re happy with the list we’ve got and we’re prepared to promote from below but we’re in the market for a few at the moment.

“At the moment we could probably do with a couple more onballers. I think key position wise we’re not too badly off.

“We’ll see what’s out there and what we really need, basically target what we’re after rather than going out and ringing everybody.”