Piddick Back On Deck For GCC
Words: Staff Writers
Image: Steven Gibson Photography
Gold Coast City have confirmed coach Grae Piddick will again guide the side for the 2017 season.
Piddick will undertake his fourth full-season in charge of the club after taking the reins of the then-named Palm Beach SC midway through the inaugural 2013 season.
City finished the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 season as runners-up – their highest finish since their Premiership winning 2014 campaign, also with Piddick at the helm.
Piddick also boasts a solid record in the Westfield FFA Cup after twice leading the club to the national Round of 32 and beyond.
Currently holidaying in the United States, Piddick said he was looking forward to building on a solid 2016.
“I’m excited about the potential to continue to grow and improve the team, enhancing the playing style that we showed last season while remaining focused on bringing success to the club,” Piddick explained.
He acknowledged that one of the first orders of business will be rebuilding his squad, which has already seen the departure of 2016 Golden Boot winner Ben Litfin to Hyundai A-League club Wellington Phoenix.
However, he remains buoyed by the depth of talent available on the Coast and wants to see players make their mark in the national second-tier.
“We’ve got young lads in the Youth Men’s team with talent and lots of NPL experience. And the local comps have a stack of players with ability. It’s time for someone new to step-up,” he concluded.
Gold Coast City board member Shauna Martin said the retention of Piddick was key to the club’s strategy.
“Gold Coast City believe that a key to long-term success is to have continuity of leadership at the club, particularly within the ranks of our coaching and technical staff,” Martin stated.
“We’re excited to have Grae on board again, his wealth of experience and football philosophy enhance the club’s vision to be a leading player in the development of football talent on the Coast.”
#PS4NPLQLD | Gold Coast City FC @gccityfc re-appoint Grae Piddick as Senior Men's coach for 2017 #gccityfc #GoldCoastSport pic.twitter.com/v7E218pde8
— Gold Coast City FC (@gccityfc) October 27, 2016
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