After five seasons at Hume League club Lockhart, Sykes will return home to Turvey Park to take on the top job next year.

Sykes, the son of club legend Warren, will be joined by his younger brother Jeremy at Maher Oval in 2017.

The 28-year-old wants to lead the Bulldogs back to their glory days.

“They have had a tough few years and it’s not easy to watch,” Sykes said.

“Being a Turvey junior, I wanted to come back and help out.

“I really want to try and get them back going again.”

Turvey Park is about to finish their second straight season without a win. Sykes has watched the Bulldogs play and is well aware of the work in front of him.

“It’s definitely going to be a challenge, it’s going to be tough work,” he said.

“It’s not going to happen overnight, it’s going to be a bit of a grind but in saying that, I’m looking forward to it, to be honest.

“When I was growing up and Dad was playing through that successful era in the late 80s and through the 90s, it was a really good club.

“I played my first senior season at Turvey, they looked after me really well and now I would like to put back in.

“I’m not sure if resurrect is the right word, but I want to get them up and going.”

Sykes spent time at Western Suburbs, Northern Bullants and Donvale before returning to the Riverina in 2012, when he signed at Lockhart.

A skillful footballer who plays across half-back, Sykes’ year has been cruelled by injuries.

Young brother Jeremy has established himself as one of the most exciting midfielders in the Hume League and is going to be a huge addition to the Bulldogs’ team.

Sykes will take a step by step approach to get Turvey Park back on track.

“The ultimate goal is finals and flags,” he said.

“Just from the couple of games I’ve watched, it’s about being competitive and being in games.

“It’s been a long time since Turvey had a win so I want to start with being competitive and showing fight.”

Turvey Park president Neale Francis is excited to welcome Sykes home as coach.

“We’re ecstatic that a Turvey junior wants to take it on,” Francis said.

"Mitch has played under a lot of good coaches so he will bring that experience to the club.

“The Sykes name is a big name as Turvey Park and we’re rapt to have Mitch back.”

Francis also paid tribute to outgoing coach Brad Burkinshaw.

“Brad did an excellent job for us over the last two years, we couldn’t have asked much more of him,” he said.

“It’s time for Turvey Park to move on and I’m sure Brad will enjoy being able to sit back and relax a bit more.”