State League soccer: Yarraville Glory’s new coach Paul Donnelly looks to lay foundations for success

THRUST into the coaching hot seat at Yarraville Glory five days before the season, Paul Donnelly knew he faced a race against time.

Three Yarraville players pursue Geelong’s Joshua Talev on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell.

THRUST into the coaching hot seat at Yarraville Glory five days before the season, Paul Donnelly knew he faced a race against time.

Donnelly was unveiled as Tony Merakis’ replacement on March 20 and took charge for the first time in a 2-1 loss to Clifton Hill on March 25.

It has been a baptism of fire for the former Richmond and North Sunshine boss, who achieved his first win as Yarraville coach in the FFA Cup against Brandon Park.

“Baby steps at the moment,” Donnelly said.

“Just working on shape, structure and me getting to know the lads as well to see what we have got and what we need.

“It’s been, not rushed, but it’s pretty full on. We have to be up and running and we have got a tough start to the season as well.”

New Yarraville FC coach Paul Donnelly has his work cut out after being appointed five days before the season.

The Glory’s testing start to the State League 1 North-West campaign continued on Saturday with a 4-0 defeat against promotion contender Geelong.

Forward Lewis Shannon, who played three matches for Green Gully in 2016 and most recently featured for North Sunshine Eagles, has joined as the first signing of Donnelly’s reign.

Donnelly said Yarraville’s hardworking philosophy and values fitted perfectly with his coaching ambitions.

“I just wanted to get back in there and State 1 is a really good level,” he said.

“There’s a lot of work to do. I am still finding my feet as a coach.

“It’s a good challenge and we will see where I am at as a coach as well I reckon.”

Yarraville finished 10th in State League 1 last season, avoiding relegation by four points.

“They are trying hard to establish themselves as a State 1 club,” Donnelly said.

“It’s a tough league. You have got North Sunshine, Geelong, Sydenham and Preston who are just really going for it.

“They have been a bit more sensible about it, because there’s just one spot for promotion.”

The Glory next takes on North Sunshine Eagles at Larissa Reserve on Saturday from 3pm.