Hood has come into the head coaching role after another disappointing season for the university club.

Reddies have only won three games in the three seasons following Hood's retirement after their second tier first grade success in 2015.

They went winless in 2016, had the lone victory in 2017 and only managed two victories, both over winless Wagga City, last season.

Hood is hoping he can help the club rise back up the Southern Inland ladder.

“I’ve had a good talk with the family and it is a role I have thought about for a little while,” Hood said.

“I think the time is right to take over.”

A Bill Castle Medal winner and premiership player at the club, Hood wants to help build a new culture to Reddies.

He’s also looking to concentrate on defence after really leaking points last season.

“Last year first grade especially were letting in 40 or 50 points most games and you can’t be winning games of football if you are letting in that amount of points every week,” Hood said.

“There will be a big focus on pre-season in defence.

“I’ll let the attack work itself out, as I don’t think we are a bad attacking team, and while I’ll focus on a few things in attack it will be mainly defence in the pre-season.”

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He’s looking to have a bigger influence from the Old Boys and wants to bring some more pride back into the jumper and into the club.

New president Ryan Giacca is confident Hood is the right man for the job.

“He’s put his hand up and we’re really happy to have him on board,” Giacca said.

“He should bring a fair bit of experience.

“He’s a life member, SIRU representative and one of the best players in recent times for the Reddies and won a premiership so we are very excited to have him on board.”

Hood replaces Mark Fisher after two years as coach, Giacca is looking forward to seeing what Hood can do with a line-up he expects won’t lose too many players.

Dion Calvi has also come on board as the second grade coach.

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