Words: Michael Flynn
Image supplied by Justin Robertson

Newly appointed Western Pride Technical Director Justin Robertson says he will work overtime to engage the Ipswich region’s community clubs and strengthen the elite player pathway.

Robertson has previously worked as a community coach at some of the world’s most well-known football clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham and New York Red Bull.

The 32-year-old will replace Kasey Wehrman, with the former Socceroo confirming his departure for Norway last month after two years as duel technical director and senior head coach at the Ipswich-based club.

Robertson said one of his aims is to ensure the best players in the region are identified and made aware of Pride’s place within NPL Queensland’s elite player pathway.

“I’m hoping the names that I’ve worked for will help, because it’s my ambition and drive to get as many talented players contacted as possible,” Robertson explained.

“I’m going to work overtime to liaise with the catchment clubs, so we can form partnerships with all of these people so their players can come through.”

“I want to get out to as many catchment clubs as possible, create strong relationships with them so they understand what we are trying to achieve and what we can offer the players in their development,” he added.

Robertson said he was looking forward to the challenges of the new role after spending the past two years coaching at community club Centenary Stormers.

“Because I’ve worked at an elite level I want to get back into working with an elite group of players,” he explained.

“At the same time, the role at Pride means I can work across the board with all the youth set-up there and use my knowledge and mentor skills with the other coaches to get the best out of the players.”

Robertson also added he was impressed by the Pride’s home base at Briggs Road.

“People refer to it as a fortress. The facilities are fantastic and the great thing is they are looking at improving them even further,” he explained.

“That will be a massive drawcard for players, to be playing at unbelievable facilities and hopefully the word will spread and they will help increase our numbers as well.”

Robertson, who played as a midfielder at semi-professional level in the English leagues, served as a community coach for Chelsea for two years before moving to New York in 2011, working with local clubs and schools at both clubs.

Western Pride are expected to announce their new senior head coach in coming weeks.