VSDCA: Box Hill seeking new coach following Richard Armstrong’s latest appointment

VSDCA club Box Hill has begun its search for a new men’s coach following mentor Richard Armstrong moving on from the role.

Blake Nikolic batting for Box Hill against Brighton in the 2020-21 campaign. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Box Hill is on the hunt for a new senior men’s coach following mentor Richard Armstrong moving on from the role.

Armstrong was appointed coach of the VSDCA South-East club in April last year, leading it to a finals berth in the 2020-21 season after finishing sixth with a 7-6 record.

Kyle Rayner of Box Hill batting during the qualifying final against Oakleigh.

He moves into the senior women’s coaching role at the Mustangs, following long-serving mentor and club great Alan Carter stepping away from the position.

The Box Hill women’s side competes at the Premier level, where Armstrong had previously plied his trade having held coaching roles for many years with Ringwood.

The club said in a statement that Armstrong “could not turn his back on this opportunity” after maintaining ambitions to coach in the top-flight.

Box Hill’s Richard Armstrong has moved into the senior women’s coaching role.

He takes charge of a women’s team which played off in the grand final in 2020-21 where it was edged by Dandenong in a thriller.

Armstrong said while it was with regret that he moved on from the men’s coaching duties, much excitement surrounded his latest appointment.

“Based on my previous Premier coaching roles, I welcome the opportunity to coach our women at Premier level,” he said in a club statement.

“While I am looking forward to my new role I do so with great regret as I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching the men over the past season.

“The character of the men’s playing group and their willingness to embrace new ideas to improve their cricket has been a positive experience and a pleasure to witness.”

Box Hill’s Hayleigh Brennan celebrates one of her five wickets in the Premier women’s grand final against Dandenong.

Club president Andrew Minter paid tribute to Carter’s enormous contribution to both programs.

“I would like to thank Alan for his many years of service to the club in both the men’s and women’s sections,” he said in a statement.

“He is a First XI premiership player, has coached both the men and women and has been recognised for his contribution with a life membership.

“He has served as a committee member for many years and is performing a valuable role currently as vice president.”

Armstrong said he would continue to have an involvement in the men’s program through “pre-season training and regular in-season coaching sessions”.

The club said it would begin its search for a replacement immediately.