By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WERRIBEE Hockey Club will embark on its 2014 senior campaign with new coaches at the helm in both men’s and women’s competitions.
Ryan Tout has replaced Cam Wyatt as men’s coach, while Geoff Peacock will lead the women, replacing Les McAlinden.
Tout will be taking over a Tigers outfit that finished seventh in Vic League One last year despite collecting nine wins and four draws from 22 games.
Club president Tim Pickersgill said he hopes Tout will be able to draw on his experience with Premier League club Footscray in his new role with Werribee.
“We’re really looking to gain some experience and to bring some of that culture to the club,” Pickersgill said.
“In regards to the men, we’re looking to certainly improve on our great efforts last year and consolidate our position in Vic League One and hopefully make finals.”
McAlinden led Werribee’s women to the finals in Vic League Two last year.
This time around, Pickersgill is hoping Peacock will be able to go a couple of steps better and get the Tigers back into Vic League One by 2015.
“He too has come from a Premier League club and we’re looking for him to obviously help us step up this year into the higher grade, to definitely make finals and hopefully get promoted by the end of the year,” Pickersgill said.
“So our goal is to keep our top two teams in Vic League One, once the women get there, and I believe with both these coaches at the helm, we’re in some good hands.
“Both the men and women have started pre-season early to really make sure we give this season the best chance we can.”
Werribee’s men will begin their 2014 season at home to Casey on 5 April, while Peacock’s women will have to wait until 26 April before taking on Melton in round one of their Vic League Two campaign.
