State league soccer: Preston Lions boss Lou Acevski preaches loyalty after resisting NPL overtures

PRESTON Lions coach Lou Acevski hopes his players will resist any overtures from National Premier League clubs in the mid-season window to chase a State League 1 title.

Preston Lions players battle for possession against Yarraville Glory. Picture: Tim Michell.

PRESTON Lions coach Lou Acevski hopes his players will resist any overtures from National Premier League clubs in the mid-season window to chase a State League 1 title.

The former Hume City boss recently turned down an offer from an NPL club to remain loyal to Preston.

He hopes his players will show the same commitment should they be subject to interest from NPL clubs during the May 28-June 12 transfer window.

“That could be a possibility. Hopefully none of the players want to leave. Hopefully they want to stick it out and try and win a championship,” Acevski said

Acevski was reluctant to discuss his offer to return to the NPL coaching ranks, but confirmed a club had made contact with him.

“I just said straight out that I wanted to stay at Preston,” he said.

“I went there for a reason and we have a plan to try and get the club where it belongs.”

NPL clubs are limited to two visa players per team, putting several of Preston’s overseas recruits off limits.

Englishman Sam Hibbert has been in superb form for the Lions, while Jagajeet Shrestha, Kenta Murakami and goalkeeper Andre Krul have been first-team regulars.

Acevski has been forced back to the drawing board in recent weeks, signing midfielder Lochlan Reus and forward Jacob Fulluck after Jip Bartels (adductor) and Glenn Gabriel (elbow) were ruled out with long-term injuries.

Fulluck arrived at B.T Connor Reserve from Beerwah Glasshouse FC, while Reus was also playing in Queensland with Gold Coast United.

Despite a below-par start to the campaign, Acevski has been steadfast in his belief his side can still contend for the title and promotion to the NPL.

“There are times and patches that we play unbelievable football and we concede goals on transition,” he said.

A Rhys Saunders double and a goal from Fulluck earned Preston a 3-0 win over Western Suburbs on Sunday.

The Lions sit sixth, seven points behind league leader Geelong, who they face on Saturday at Stead Park.