I was recently appointed Communications Manager for WaiBOP Football.

You might be thinking: “Big deal. So what?” And I wouldn’t blame you.

But I thought it might be important to let everyone know, as my new role comes with certain limitations. Clearly, there are now areas I have to be very careful about going on this site, particularly when commenting on local football. Hopefully this won’t greatly alter my style of writing, and outlook on football, but I guess only time will tell.

As for the role itself, it’s a part-time proposition that fits in well alongside my business and the other things I’ve got going on with the family. It’s nice to be employed in the football industry after so many years of volunteer work.

The main thing that attracted me to the role was the opportunity to be involved in the set up of WaiBOP United, the region’s new ASB Premiership side. Waikato FC struggled almost from the outset and one of the main reasons for this was sheer lack of resources, both human and capital. With the backing of a Federation, which comes with a staff of full-time employees, this side now has the best possible chance of success.

I’ve already been involved in a communications working group, involving some very good people, and was impressed with the interest, enthusiasm and ideas. The support behind the coaching side is also pretty impressive (but I can’t say anything further just yet). We’ve essentially got a clean slate and the opportunity to build a brand from the ground up. It’s interesting, exciting and scary, and is the sort of challenge I was looking for after hanging up my Matamata Swifts stripes.

I’ve already been welcomed over to ‘The Dark Side’ by several Federation staff, so it’s nice to see gallows humour is in full swing. I should fit right in…