Soccer: Former A-League coach Scott Miller enjoying steering Langwarrin

Former A-League coach Scott Miller has Langwarrin well placed at the halfway mark of the NPL2 East season.

Langwarrin coach Scott Miller watches his team from the sidelines. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Different, challenging and enjoyable — former Newcastle Jets A-League coach Scott Miller has embraced his new role of coaching Langwarrin this season.

Miller has steered Langy to third spot in NPL2 East at the halfway mark.

The club’s goal to stay in the league — which requires a top-six finish — is looking good.

But don’t think for a minute Miller is cruising along.

He’s been challenged and so have his players.

“Yes, I am enjoying it,” he said.

“People asked when I took the job, what am I going to get out of it? For me I’m getting a lot out of it in regards to how do you motivate a semi-professional amateur player.

“I’ve only ever worked with elite players. Their mindset is always focused on developing professionalism and being elite.

Jaiden Madafferi has become a fan favourite at Langwarrin. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Whereas for these guys here soccer is probably their third priority down the line, with family and work before that. It’s testing as a manager because you have to really centralise their focus and look after them. And their work really provides problems as well, depending on what they do for a living.

“I feel there are so many more barriers at this level than there are at the professional elite level.”

Callum Goulding in action for Langwarrin.

Miller has revealed he has received coaching offers from clubs, including A League organisations, but is focused on Langwarrin’s 2019 campaign.

“I’m only as good as my players and if I’m getting phone calls it means my players are doing the job,” he said.

Langwarrin has beaten NPL big guns Northcote City and Bulleen Lions this season.

Miller says his side’s success is built on its defensive side of the game.

“We are working so hard out of the defence to stop the opponent,” he said.

“We’ve got the second best defensive record in the league. That’s just testament to their work rate. I can’t complain really

“Everyone thinks it’s about the goalkeeper and back four but the way we set up — and I think it’s new to a lot of players, especially attacking players at this level — we defend as a team, all 11 players. The work rate we demand from them is very high.”

Miller said Langy goalkeeper Fraser Maclaren has been outstanding, while left back Jaiden Madafferi, a young boy from Melbourne City, has “become fan favourite very quickly with his commitment determination”.

South African Luke Burgess, built like an AFL player, is another to make his mark and Callum Goulding has also gone to another level.