NORTHS have appointed Boss Cecil as their A-grade rugby league coach for next year.
The former Fassifern mentor takes over the North Ipswich club from Kerry Theuerkauf, who did not seek to continue after two years in the player/coach’s role.
“Kerry decided it was a bit too much,” club president Paul Cairns said.
“With me not being there (Cairns works in Western Australia and splits his time between there and Ipswich), he did a lot more than a coach should be doing.”
Cairns was delighted to have Cecil as a ready-made replacement.
“He was basically what we were after,” Cairns said.
“Kerry tried to get him on board a year ago. He’s been watching us play over the past 12 months and knows a lot of the players.
“He comes across as extremely professional.
“Just from talking to him he loves the game of rugby league and goes into it very in-depth.”
The appreciation is mutual.
“I’m quite excited to get back involved,” Cecil said.
“Particularly with Norths.
“They’ve got a good football culture and are clearly forward-thinking. They seem to be heading in the right direction and have plans for growth.”
It might mean the Norths players have to get used to the idea of changing some of their ways.
“He is big on the little things, like eating the right meals after games and having ice baths to aid recovery,” Cairns said.
“We’re not used to that sort of thing at the club but I see it as very positive.”
However, Cecil insists there is no need to pick the place apart.
“It is hard to say just yet but there is not the need for big change,” he said.
“Maybe just a change in the mindset, rather than the way they’re playing football.”
The club has not spoken to Cecil about player recruitment for next year, with the immediate focus on re-signing this year’s squad.
“We said our first preference is to get the blokes back first before we go looking elsewhere,” Cairns said.
“We want to get the whole A-grade side back, which I think is realistic.
“I’ve got to make some calls now we’ve got Boss signed up.”
That suits Cecil fine.
“I’ll be talking to a few players but I’m happy to go with what we’ve got,” he said.
“I think they’ve got the right players there.”
Article courtesy of the QT.
http://www.qt.com.au/story/2011/10/21/boss-takes-over-rugby-league/
