THE Woolford clan have further strengthened their association with Group Nine club.
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Following in the footsteps of Simon and Steve Woolford, classy hooker James Woolford has been appointed captain-coach of the Cherrypickers.
The 25-year-old star has signed a contract for two years and will take over from incumbent captain-coach Neil Thorman at the end of the current season.
Young president Robert Bush believes Woolford is a perfect fit for the Cherrypickers.
“I think James is one of the most underrated players in the group at the moment,” Bush said.
“He has a lot to offer because of the levels of football that he’s played – his record is unbelievable and I just think that James will bring a lot of the locals back to the club who’ve wandered away from football or have gone to other clubs.
“He was disappointed last year that he missed out, but he’s already trying to get calendars, draws and trying to get things organised.
“We’re all a bit keen when we first start, but he’s very keen to get things rolling for next year starting on player recruitment, and trying to retain as many as possible of this year’s squad.
“This is a positive to be this organised - to have this settled and to have Kyle Richens and a few other prominent players also re-signed at this moment everything’s looking very positive.”
Bush paid tribute to Thorman, but says Woolford's signing was a step toward the future.
“I can’t give Neil enough wraps with what he’s achieved – despite the loss of Tui Samoa, Matt Wakefield and Luke Branighan we’re in a stronger position than we were last year,” Bush said.
“Neil's attitude and his professionalism in the coaching job has been well rewarded with the team’s position on the Group Nine table."
Woolford returned to Young this year after a stint in Canberra and has made a major impact.
Thorman said he was beyond “disappointed” by the decision is still considering his plans for 2017.
However, the Englishman will be in demand from other Group Nine clubs if he decides to break from the Cherrypickers.
In a spectacular Group Nine coaching debut, Thorman has led the Cherrypickers to fourth spot on the ladder with three games to play.
Young faces Gundagai in a blockbuster at Keith Cullen Oval on Sunday.
Following the recent deparure of Adam Hall at Kangaroos, Thorman, meanwhile, is the second coach to be replaced for next year, but others are set to fall as well.
Already, Robbie Byatt (Tumbarumba), Nick Skinner (Southcity) and Luke Srama have been confirmed as staying in their positions, while James Smart (Gundagai) is also regarded as secure.