Fire Burns Bright For Hardwicke
Words: Staff Writers
Sunshine Coast FC have confirmed Roger Hardwicke as the club’s new Head Coach for the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2017 campaign.
Hardwicke’s appointment to Fire marks his return to the Sunshine Coast after serving as head coach for Pine Hills FC in Football Brisbane's fifth-tier Capital League Two competition.
Hardwicke previously led Sunshine Coast McDonald’s Premier League club Kawana FC to win the league championship in 2012.
Sunshine Coast FC Technical Director Melvyn Wilkes credits Hardwicke’s success in formulating squads as the deciding factor to bring him into the club.
“Roger has an excellent background in building teams who play an attractive brand of football, with a good track record in terms of success,” he said.
“He fits in with Sunshine Coast FC’s philosophy and he will help bring a local feel back to the club.”
Wilkes also highlighted Hardwicke’s involvement in streamlining the player pathway.
“We want to ensure the opportunity for our most talented junior players in our U18s and U20s to progress to our Senior Men’s team to play at National Premier Leagues level,” he said.
“Roger’s involvement will help to create a seamless progression to guarantee that National Premier Leagues Queensland remains the highest level of competitive football on the Sunshine Coast.”
Hardwicke’s vision for 2017 is to make the side competitive and bring an attacking brand of football to Fire.
“Part of the challenge for me is building a successful team, sometimes it takes two to three seasons but it starts with the right culture and training environment,” he said.
“I understand Coast football and I think there are a lot of players on the Coast who can be showcased.”
Hardwicke is confident in his ability to take the next step in his coaching career.
“For me there are only two jobs I’ve wanted on the Coast; the first was Kawana and the second was Sunshine Coast FC,” he concluded.
Hardwicke is Fire’s fourth coach since the club joined PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues competition in 2013.
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