COLIN RENOUF is heading back to Sylvans. The man who led the westerners through an era of dominance in the 1990s will be Clive Bateman’s assistant coach for the new season at St Peter’s.
‘The big man is back’ was Bateman’s first reaction to the news. He is delighted that his players will have someone of Renouf’s stature to learn from. ‘I am very delighted, especially because having played under Colin I realise what a great coach he is. If the players are willing to listen, then they are in for a treat,’ he said.
Renouf (pictured) is also looking forward to his return. ‘It’s great to be back involved again, and I can’t wait. Obviously we have lost a few players, but the ones that we have kept are good and they are also going to be keen.’
Despite admitting that he will always have an allegiance towards Saints because of his playing career, he insisted it won’t be a problem.
‘I am naturally split between Saints and Sylvans, but I will be doing my best to make Sylvans successful again.
‘We have the right mix of youth surrounded by the experienced heads, who can teach the youngsters a lot,’ he said.
With the transfer window now shut, coach Bateman also confirmed that goalkeeper Paul de Garis will be staying at the club after originally deciding to join Bels. He had a change of heart and cancelled his registration at the Victoria Avenue club.
However, it isn’t all good news for Sylvans as Ben Duff and Piers Ockleford have followed Naro Zimmerman and Matt Warren out the exit door.
Ockleford has rejoined former club Rangers, but it is the departure of Duff to Bels that has most disappointed Bateman.
‘It’s a big disappointment, because I was expecting him to stay. He told us that he was looking forward to pre-season training, so it’s a surprise,’ he said.
The transfer of Ockleford also came as something of a surprise, this time to Mac Gallienne, the Rangers coach.
‘I didn’t realise that he had signed, to be honest. It’s brilliant news, and he is a top player.
‘I’m confident and looking forward to the new season and it should be a good one for us,’ he said.
Saints have arguably been the biggest movers during the transfer window. They have signed Warren, Zimmerman, Ryan Tippett, Jake Ellis and Jez Overstall. And coach Colin Fallaize is optimistic about the new season.
‘We start training a bit earlier this year, on Tuesday, so we should be well prepared.
‘I’m very happy with the players that we have got in.
‘It freshens the challenge up for next season. With the ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams for next season, we have 22 blank spaces for the players to fill,’ he said.
Article posted on 2nd July, 2008 - 2.30pm
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