Luke Gerhard has been named as the club’s coach for the upcoming Wagga cricket season.

It comes after the Blues narrowly missed the finals for the first time in nine years.

Gerhard, who was assistant coach to Joel Robinson last season, thought it was a natural progression to the top job.

“I was assistant coach last year and have stepped more into last year,” Gerhard said.

“I have always wanted to do it.”

Gerhard, originally for Temora, has been at South Wagga for the past five seasons.

He is looking for a bigger commitment this season.

Gerhard hopes that will be one of the keys to success.

“I think we need to train a lot harder,” Gerhard said.

“Last year we were a bit slack in the training department. I don’t think we were getting numbers at training and weren’t as committed.

“I think we need to get committed and just have a bit of fun around the club.

“It was a bit stale last year and I think Joel even said it would be good to get a bit of fun around the club and play as a team.”

While many are busy with football commitments, Gerhard has been pleased with the initial response from the club’s players from last season.

“We had a fair few people that just didn’t play last year and we’ve already had five or six people say they are going to play again,” he said.

Gerhard expects Brayden Ambler, who missed half the season through injury, and Matt Bee to have a bigger impact.

Meanwhile the Blues have secured opening batsman Tom Winkley.

Winkley was part of Temora’s O’Farrell Cup-winning team last season and Gerhard believes he will play a key role at the top of the order.

“He is going to help out our batting line-up as he is a top order bat,” Gerhard said.

“That is pretty much exactly what we need and will be a handy in for us.”

South Wagga also has another new recruit in their sights.

Robinson will still have a big presence with the club, remaining first grade captain.

“I still want him to be captain,” Gerhard said. “He is still our best captain.”

Robinson believes the change will create a new environment around the club and has also stepped into the vice-presidency of the club.

“While it will be less work than last year it is not that less,” Robinson said. 

“I’ve been (coach) on and off for 10 years now so it will be good for a bit of a freshen up around the club. Luke is really looking forward to it and will be really good.”