Romsey has appointed a new coach for the 2021 Riddell District season

Riddell District powerhouse Romsey has secured it’s new coach, appointing former Heathcote coach Paul Kennedy for the 2021 season, and the Redbacks are set for an immediate return to pre-season.

New Romsey coach Paul Kennedy. Picture: Supplied

Riddell District powerhouse Romsey has locked in its new coach, appointing Paul Kennedy for next season.

Kennedy comes with a wealth of experience having previously coached Northern league clubs Hurstbridge and Diamond Creek and Heathcote District club Heathcote.

He was due to serve as assistant coach at Essendon District club Airport West this year before the season was cancelled.

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Kennedy takes the reins from Corey O’Sullivan who stepped down in September due to family commitments.

Romsey president Eden Jedwab said Kennedy had stood out in a large field of applicants.

“We had quite a few applicants to sort through, we felt the bigger the field the better chance of finding the right person,” he said.

Rowan Stott bursts clear for Romsey. Picture: Rob Leeson

“I think he’s got the personality we want at the club and is going to be good for our playing group.

“He’s got a good understanding of local footy and where it’s at and will be able to challenge our experienced players and educate our younger players to play a good brand of football.”

The Redbacks are hoping to start pre-season as soon as possible, giving the new coach the maximum time to get to know his playing squad.

“He’s already met a handful of the players,” Jedwab said.

“We’ll kick of pre-season on November 23 provided COVID protocols allow us to do so.

“We’ll probably have eight sessions between now and Christmas and when we get together we’ll map out what we’re going to do.

“That will give him an opportunity to explain the game style that he wants us to play and get accustomed to what he has around him.”

Romsey finished second in the home-and-away season last year but crashed out of the premiership race in straight sets.

Kennedy will have some holes to fill with key forward Joel Naylor crossing to one of his former clubs in Hurstbridge.

Defender Matt Krul has had an clearance application to Diggers Rest denied.

Jedwab said the club was looking to retain its playing list before casting its recruiting net.

“Our priority is also to retain our players, we’re a locally driven club,” he said.

“We’ve always got our eyes and ears open for good people to bring into our club.”