Young guns to spearhead Hills United’s NPL promotion dream
Football NSW League One Men’s club Hills United FC will be looking to youth to mount a promotion challenge in 2022.
Having just taken the role, circumstances allowed well known coach Brian “Bomber” Brown the chance to refresh the squad leading up to this upcoming season.
But this isn’t the first time Bomber has been at the club as he tells Football NSW.
“I joined Hills United in 1996/97 as assistant coach with Lawrie McKinna and Randall Easthorpe.
“Then under 20’s coach left after 4 weeks so I took over the under 20’s. The team did well, and we finished runner up in the league and lost on penalties in the Grand Final in 1998.”
With the departure of Greg Giovenali (a player many associated with the club), Jarrod Dodds, Joel Tinkler and Alexander Vlismas.
The club focused on building a young and hungry group, adding the likes of Tristan Van Rhoon and Ahmed Sweedan from competition rivals amongst others. All whilst promoting five members of their 20’s side which was leading their competition before last year’s sudden stop.
When asked about the thinking behind the refresh and what he expects from this upcoming season, the coach with one of the best records winning Premierships and Championships stated to Football NSW..
“We look to have a great balance with very good young and experienced senior players. We will have a lot of competition for spots in the 1st team and I think that sets us up well for future development. Which is how we want to move forward as a club and push more of our youth players forward into our seniors.”
Despite an interrupted pre-season with Covid and various social events, Bomber is pleased how his team are positioned going into the season.
“Everyone at the club has been united in achieving the first goal in our plan, they have all worked tirelessly and done a brilliant job in pre-season.
At the start of pre-season, we had three goals and we are on track with all three and are looking to get off to a flying start.
“The signings we have brought in have settled in well and are on board with the club values, have worked hard in training and performing well so far in the pre-season games.”
But he is under no illusions regarding the challenges ahead.
“This is looking like it is going to be a great year in Football NSW League One with the quality of the coaches and players, that will ensure nothing will be easy.
“My expectations are only focused on our club and our performance. If we perform at our best each week that will be good enough for me.”
Hills United face a familiar round one opposition in SD Raiders FC to open their 2022 campaign, March 12th at Blacktown City Sports Centre.
-By Justin Smith
