The sky’s the limit for Nepean FC
Nepean FC had an unforgettable season following its promotion to the League One Men’s competition in 2024 after a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate playoff win over Mounties Wanderers.
Founded in 2011, the hard work the club has put together has been there for all to see and that’s been largely down to Head Coach Stephen Appleby who was brought in for a three-year project a the start of the 2023 season.
“The work in setting everything up, the club being superb and getting us to play out of Wanderers [Football Park] to train on synthetic pitches, I cannot say thank you enough.”
The squad was littered with quality, but Appleby understands that to compete in 2024 they’ll need to strengthen further.
“We need to bring in some additional faces and unfortunately some players more than likely will have to make room – but they are all lovely lads – it makes some decisions a little bit harder but unfortunately, that is football.”
The club is hyped and raring to go as they look set to take the league by storm with Appleby ready for the next challenge.
“I just think it is fantastic for the club and it is a new experience for the club, this next level, it is great.”
“We must adjust to a new league, even though a lot of the boys have played in in it and above.
“We are not going to go, ‘yeah, we want to win the league’ – let us be realistic, let us consolidate ourselves and be a League One Men’s team and then, eventually, we want an opportunity in the NPL NSW Men’s competition.
“The goal is to establish ourselves in League One and make sure we are a hard team to beat, week in and week out.”
The biggest part of Appleby’s philosophy for the team has been a simple, yet hard to master mindset for the season.
“Do not concede.
“Defence wins you titles, wins you leagues, gets you promoted.”
“You have got to do the work; you have got to turn on, they know they get shouted at if they do not track back.”
Nepean FC achieved the goal they dreamed of and will hope for more success in the League One Men’s competition in 2024.
By Football New South Wales League Two Men’s Reporter, Dylan Costa @_dylancosta
