Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Central Queensland Mariners FC

South West Queensland Thunder have confirmed Joe Fenech will assume the role of Technical Director at the club in 2015.

Fenech leaves his post as Director of Coaching at Central Queensland Mariners to take up the position in Toowoomba, replacing Thunder’s previous Technical Director Richard Mitchell.

Fenech was previously head coach of now-defunct PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland team CQFC Energy in the competition’s inaugural season before taking a position as interim coach at FNQ FC Heat.

He said he was excited about the challenges that await him at Thunder in 2015 across the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland age divisions.

“I think they did really well last season in terms of the junior and youth teams and I think I can do something to further what they’ve already started,” Fenech said.

“Personally, it’s good that I can go to a region where I can provide opportunities for local kids and provide a pathway for them to be the best they can be.”

Fenech added that his experience in other regional areas allowed him a greater understanding of the needs of a club like Thunder.

“It’s totally different between the city and the regions and each region within itself has its own issues and concerns,” he explained.

“There’s a lot of disadvantages in terms of football for players in the regions, but I like to think my experience will help them overcome issues to make sure local kids get every opportunity.”

Fenech added that he was particularly looking forward to furthering Thunder’s girls programme with the advent of the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Senior Women’s division.

“In the region’s girls football hasn’t necessarily been given the opportunities due to numbers or availability or travel or the other issues that come with it.”

“But I’m thrilled the girl's game is moving ahead and I hope we can get some girls from South West Queensland to get on to bigger and better things as a result of being involved in the NPL.”

Fenech also said that he hoped his role will benefit the Thunder Senior Men’s team that ended their first season bottom of the ladder and without a competitive win.

“My discussions have been that I oversee the entire programme as Technical Director and certainly I would like to be very much involved with the first team.”

“Whilst they will have a first team coach, it’s a situation of making sure we build a club philosophy and a playing style and making sure from the Under 12’s right up we are playing to that.”

“When the first team is winning it attracts more attention, however the focus is going to be on getting last year’s youth teams to come through and adopt the philosophy.”

“I think there is enough talent there to be able to be competitive this season,” Fenech concluded.

Fenech is anticipated to arrive at Thunder in early January to take up the role.

Thunder Chairman Anthony Bigby said, “We’re really excited to have a coach of Joe’s experience and qualifications to join us at Thunder."

"It’s a great opportunity for us as a club, our players and our coaches, to learn and to move forward.”

He added that the club expects to confirm the appointment of a Senior Men’s coach prior to Christmas.