By LIAM TWOMEY
FOOTSCRAY Edgewater has appointed Steve Chapman as head coach for the 2013-’14 season.
Chapman joins the Bulldogs from Premier Cricket Club Dandenong, where he enjoyed tremendous success during a three season coaching period.
A former English County cricketer, Chapman led Dandenong to a premiership in his first year, as well as a grand final in his second.
Footscray Edgewater president Geoff Collinson said it was Chapman’s experience as a player and coach that made him a fantastic appointment.
“He had a really high level of experience. He has played county cricket for Durham, he is a level three coach in Australia and England and he has his own cricket academy,” Collinson said.
“At premier level he has got the runs on the board in terms of successful coaching. With his own personal cricket career as well it is a really great skill set that he will bring to the club.”
Collinson said Chapman would bring some assistant coaches and a chairman of selectors with him, while Footscray would also continue to look at assistant coaching candidates.
After missing finals the past three years under former coach Barry Neivandt, the Bulldogs are hunting much greater success in the 2013-’14 season.
“That (increased success) is what it is all targeted towards,” Collinson said.
“We believe we’ve got a high potential team. In some spots we are a little bit young but with a couple of years’ experience and the right guidance I think we will be a very successful team.
Footscray has maintained the services of gun opening duo Dean Russ and Wes Robinson as well as up and coming talent Guy Walker and Dylan Kight.
Fast bowler Andrew McCammond has retired from Premier Cricket while second XI captain Shaun Holland has also retired from his leadership role.
Chapman is currently playing cricket in England.
