From the manager's desk

By Gary "TT" Jordan

With the powerful playing roster at the disposal of the Coastal Hogs this year, picking a starting line up will be a real challenge. The suggested method of rotating reserves by the number on the playing strip has its merits however sitting a player out will depend on the team having its quota available on match days, and who has put their hand up for a later game off.

A quick review of last year suggests that on average we had somewhere in the vicinity of 2.5-3 reserves each game. We can quickly balance that against the fact that T Harper missed 5 games because of club commitments with Dinamo Kiev. He won't be granted any such release this year. We also lost our star left winger Peter Mac for a similiar number of games because of broken ribs. His transfer to Family United was inescapable however, the recruitment of Carroll and Rourke will ensure our left hand attack has not lost any of its zip. In fact all too frequently last year we missed the experience of many of our assorted stars and coupled with Gary Hardie not arriving until the April transfer window, our starting personnel suffered.

The genuine enthusiasm from our lads has management predicting a boost to our bench each week of between 3-4. Managing the side may be a lot easier for "The Cripple" given the way the team played late last season without him. It may be his best position.

Obviously everyone is back into serious pre-season training with an eye to our first official session on February 20. We have the added bonus of two experienced drill coaches available until, according to the fines master, they're called up to national duties. Until then, the management feels that Irish Dave has a valid point about team bonding. The Cripple also endorses the idea of drinking beyond reproach provided cameras from the major networks, and Channel Nine, are kept at a distance.

Management's tip of the week: Stretch those muscles before they are stretched for you.