Wagga City Wanderers coach Ross Morgan is relishing the prospect of new talents and a home track debut in the upcoming NPL season.
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Wanderers will begin their Capital Football campaign at Gissing Oval on April 6 – their first home start in in four seasons – and have seven guaranteed games in Wagga pencilled into the season fixtures.
O’Connor Knights will be Wanderers’ first visitors in 2019 with Australian National University FC, Southern Tablelands United, White Eagles FC, Brindabella Blues and Narrabundah FC to follow.
An eighth home game may be on the cards for their round eight clash with Queanbeyan City FC but Morgan is just pleased to be kicking off a new era of Wagga soccer at their Turvey Park stomping ground.
“It’s really great to be starting at home,” Morgan said.
“Historically, I think we’ve been away for the first round or two and it’s a nice change to have, especially coming into a new competition.”
Morgan was unconcerned about the prospect of up to nine games being played away from home, arguing the chance to play at top quality Canberra facilities would only benefit his side.
“I think it’ll be good for the boys, to be honest.”
“We’re getting the opportunity to run around on some of the better pitches in Canberra and that can only be a good thing.”
A pleased Morgan also expressed his pleasure with the squad’s pre-season performance before Christmas, saying training had been “very positive”.
“We’ve had a few more boys recommit to the team again and Prince Thompson is coming back into the fold after going back to club midway through last year,” Morgan said.
“I think it was a bit tough for him last year playing both and probably a few injury niggles didn’t do him any justice, but there’s a spot open at right back for him and I think he’ll be a really important player for us.
“He’s trained well and we’ve also got (incoming assistant coach and player) Luke Sharples coming over to join us in the next few weeks.”
Stuart Smeeth has also recommitted to Wanderers after being brought into the fold midway through last season and will fill one of the crucial midfield roles come April.
Wanderers’ under 20s men are set to open their account against O’Connor Knights at 1pm on April 6 before the senior men play at 3pm while the senior women will get their debut season underway on March 31 against Tuggeranong United at Rawlings Park.
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