Rovers Return for Robertson

Napier City Rovers is delighted today to announce Bill Robertson is staying on at the club as head coach.
The Englishman has signed another contract to lead the Blues in their upcoming 2017 Central League and Chatham Cup campaigns.

Fans will be delighted at the reappointment of Robertson, who has had a highly successful few seasons at the club. 

​In 2015 Robertson led the team to the Central League title, securing league records for points accumulated, 49, and goals scored, 80.

The former Capital Football Coach of the Year has consistently challenged for top honours, leading the team to the Chatham Cup semi-final in 2014, and narrowly losing to an extra-time goal in the final against Eastern Suburbs the following season.
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Robertson will be supported by Hawkes Bay Premier League treble winning coach Stu James, as well as former All Whites, Perry Cotton and Marty Akers.

Cotton and Akers have their names etched into the history of the club, both having played key roles in Napier City Rovers winning past National League and Chatham Cup titles. 

Rovers lose Chris Greatholder, who has accepted the head coach position at Havelock North Wanderers, and moves on with the clubs best wishes after an invaluable contribution over the last few seasons.

Robertson is looking forward to getting the league challenge underway, and is currently in the planning and recruitment stage, with the pre-season schedule due to commence this week.

“I am pleased to be continuing on in the Head Coach role at Napier City Rovers,” says the Blues boss. 

“We have enjoyed a successful period in the last few years and I’m looking forward to continuing the progress the club has made.

“The Central League continues to get stronger as a competition, and it is excellent for the club and region that Rovers consistently competes with some of the largest and most successful clubs in the country.”

Though the departure of Chris Greatholder leaves a hole, Robertson’s management team looks stronger than ever with James, Cotton, and Akers coming on board.

 “I am delighted to have Stu, Perry and Marty as my support staff this season. 

“We have obviously lost a great coach with CG moving on to Havelock, but to have coaches of Perry, Stu, and Marty’s quality as ready replacements is excellent. 

“They bring with them a wealth of coaching and playing experience at very high levels, and will be of huge value this season.”

The Central League squad will be confirmed and announced in March, with the first fixture of the Central League set for April 1.

Pre-season fixtures kick-off next month. The first game will see Robertson and Greatholder face each other as Napier City Rovers play Havelock North Wanderers, March 4, 12pm kick off, Guthrie Park. The return fixture will be played at Bluewater Stadium, Saturday, March 18, 1pm kick off.

For a full list of pre-season fixtures visit Napier City Rovers website at www.cityrovers.co.nz