INCOMING Wagga City Wanderers coach David Leonard is confident the club can build on the foundation set by premiership mentor Michael Babic after his decision to step down from the post.
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Babic led the Wanderers to a maiden first grade title in his sole campaign in charge, and was credited for bringing professionalism to the franchise and giving opportunities and confident to young, local talent.
It's an outlook Leonard hopes to continue after stepping up from taking this year's under-23s to the premiership.
"They're a good squad, there's a great culture and they're a good bunch of boys. It should be an easy transition because I know all the players, that's probably the ideal situation," Leonard said.
"Right from the very beginning the Wanderers were all about providing a pathway for the younger guys and creating a culture that gets the best players to the club.
"Over a period of six years they've probably exceeded expectations with the 18s and 20s (titles) last year, then the 23s and firsts this year.
"We want to build on that, we're the hunted now so having the ability to back up what we did this year is important.
"When I was involved prior they had overseas players and this year is the first time we didn't. From a personal perspective I think that's the right move."
The Wanderers announced on social media on Wednesday night they had accepted Babic's resignation "with great reluctance" given his immediate success.
It is understood there was some factors in the background which didn't sit well with Babic, but he said a greater responsibility at work and juggling that with family time were the main reasons behind his decision.
"There was a few factors, work and family. I've just started a new job so I'm busier," he said.
"I think we showed them the way forward with young, local players coming through, tried to bring some professionalism into what they do and show the club what's required to play at that level and get results.
"We had two things we really set out to do - one was not to use any imports and the other was no dual registered players, and we managed to do what we did without either.
"The club hasn't been in that position in the past but it's great we were able to do that this year, and it's important for the young players coming through to be able to see that.
"I think (assistant coach) Matt Menser is really important to the club and hopefully they can keep him."
Liam Dedini, who coached the under-20s to their 2019 premiership, will take over the under-23s role.
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