Alampi was announced as the head coach last week and it’s a role he is proud to take on. 

Having been a playing coach for the side in 2006 and 2007, this will be his time leading his troops just from the sideline. 

Serious injury meant Alampi was forced to retire a couple of years ago and he said coaching was as close as he could now get to playing. 

“I thought about it a little bit before putting my name forward,” he said. 

“Time and how much you need to put in was a big factor for me, but I had a change of heart and applied. 

“I’m glad I did because I’m really looking forward to it. It will be challenging, but I’m sure very rewarding too.”

Many Leeton United players across the grades have been participating in their own pre-season before the official version gets underway in the first week of February. 

They’ve been meeting for a kick around, as well as five kilometre runs. 

Alampi praised their commitment and was hopeful it would continue. 

“It’s pleasing as a coach to see,” he said. 

“Most of the boys are already pretty fit. They go to the gym, so come pre-season they should be right to hook in.” 

United’s first grade team is expected to be similar to last year, but Alampi said there may be some new signings in the coming weeks. 

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“I can’t give too much away about that, but we’re hopeful,” he said. 

“Every year we usually pick up a few backpackers as well, so we’ll be looking to do that again too. 

“The club will have the four sides again this year (competing in the Football Wagga competition), including the women’s, so it’s all very positive for us.”

This will be Leeton United’s third season back in the Football Wagga competition and Alampi was hopeful of a consistent season. 

“Obviously the goal is to win a premiership, but we need to be consistent to get there,” he said.

“You don’t want to be playing in sudden death finals.

“We’ve got to live up to our potential now.

“It’s not just about consistently winning, obviously we want to do that, but we want to be consistent in how we are playing. 

“We want to play good football for the entire match.”

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