Canterbury United

Heartbreaking.

Stephen Hoyle scores the first ever goal in Valour FC's history, as he leads them to a 2-1 win over Pacific FC in the inaugural season of the professional Canadian Premier League.

Got his own Wiki page now too: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hoyle

News on former Dragon's coach Sean Devine:

From Buckinghan United FC in the UK

BREAKING NEWS

We are delighted to confirm the appointment of Sean Devine as the club's new First Team Manager joined by John Walton as Assistant Manager.

Sean and John both join us from Leighton Town where they recently enjoyed success winning the Sparten South Midlands League Development League Cup.

Sean's footballing CV is impressive with spells at Barnet, Wycombe and Exeter before playing in New Zealand. This includes previously holding the record for highest number of goals in a season at Wycombe in the Football league. While at Exeter Sean famously Captained the side that drew 0-0 against Manchester United in the FA Cup 3rd Round back in 2005.

John has been involved in local football over a number of years coaching and managing at Leighton Town Reserves/Development teams, while also having a successful spell at Pitstone and Ivinghoe United in the South Midlands League Division Two.

Preseason will begin in June with dates to be confirmed.

Ex Dragon striker, Futa Nakamura has signed for Bentleigh Greens in the Victoria NPL

Couple of changes coming at Mainland. Are they employing Archery experts too?

http://www.mainlandfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/78099?newsfeedId=803712

Does that mean Willy is gone?

Yip.

Looks like a job tailor-made for Mr Angell...

Aaron Clapham? 

If not in a coaching role then hopefully on the playing roster for the Dragon's

is the CEO of mainland keeping his job?

I suspect that his injury from the grand final has probably done it for his playing career.

Aaron has said on his social media that has received the all clear from the medics and is started training back in ChCh 

Really? That's good news. I hope he makes a full recovery... Looked like a really nasty injury.

That's brave of him. Definitely looked like a career ender, especially at his age.

Here is a link to a story on Aaron Clapham's plans on getting back on the field from today on Stuff.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/domestic/11...

New gaffer. 

Unsure what the minimum coaching qualifications are or who has what (also keeping in mind it’s a dual role with the Mainland job; and there is eff all Dragons recruitment budget).

Who might be considering it? Any of these? 

Clapham 

Pittman

Brown

Lapslie

Coughlan

Terris 

Angell 

Hedge

Braithwaite?

Halligan?

Except Danny will earn more coin at CHCH Utd after MPL promotion and Chatham Cup bonuses. 

CHCH Ru$$ians United

Word doing the rounds is Lee Padmore has got the job. 

He’s only just gone to Nix set up hasn’t he? 

Lee will do a great job. 

Doubt he has the job already. As much as he’s qualified and destined for a bright future in the game, is he ready for this sort of role? I believe it’s a few years too early and as mentioned he’s just gone up with the nix so surely this would be a step back? 

I think the minimum is a B Licence.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/domestic/113678115/christchurch-united-eye-aleague-as-ultimate-goal

DOF and head coach must be due to be announced. What's the word on Cranford Street?

Team Wellington announced earier today that they have signed Aaron Spain 

B.A..

Initials or abbreviation?

Initials.

Hope Canterbury Utd have plenty of money in the fine jar

No no no, if that stands for Brett Angel I'll leave now.  

I heard a much cooler name come up in conversation today which will hopefully be a better fit for the region. Fully qualified and a top fella too. Can't say anymore but probably a million times better than BA!

Can't understand why any team/club would opt for B.A - way too divisive & high maintenance!! 

GreaT

Brett Angell was a name I heard rumoured this morning as well.

The folk that run Mainland football must be pretty stupid if they are considering this guy. They have obviously not been paying attention.

I don't really get this, BA will be terrible - yes his sideline antics can be embarrising and he needs to work on curtailing that but footballing wise he is a pretty good coach, he took HBU to the grand final in his first season and finished 2nd in the league the next both with fairly small squads, the players that play for him seem to love him - I've heard Ifill say he's the best coach he's ever played under

but knowing Canterbury fans they'll want a local even if it means finishing bottom of the league!

Understand that there were over 70 applications for the role, with many from offshore - one would expect the requirement for a working visa would discount everyone not already residing here or a Kiwi returning. .

With the ISPS Handa Premiership kicking off in early November who ever get the role will need to be in Christchurch asap so ikely to be named shortly. 

I have heard several names but Brett was not one of them.

Would Turnbull really be the best option? Done ok with women’s football but that’s a big difference to what’s required with this role, would only be accepted well by coastal members from what I gather speaking to people.

On the fLiP side there’s someone else who hasn’t been mentioned, worked with Canterbury youth previously as well as having the exact experience that’s being asked for it seems. Would like to see someone like him given a go.

However Brett Angell would definitely make it fun each weekend to watch

I have heard it’s down to 2 candidates and Turnbull is one of them. Any ideas on who the other one is??

If that’s the case then I seriously hope whoever the other guy is gets it