Thirsty Whale Napier City Rovers confirm head coach Bill Robertson will be staying with the club as they prepare for their first season in the new National League – Central Conference.

Bill Robertson will lead the Blues into a new era when the new-look competition structure gets underway in April after signing a deal that sees him remain at the club for another term.

Robertson recommitting to the Blues gives the current Chatham Cup holders a huge boost ahead of their approaching 2021 league and cup campaigns.

The player/coach, who has notched up more than 150 games for Rovers, including over 100 Central League appearances, has led the Hawke’s Bay side as head coach for seven seasons and has been instrumental in the club's recent successes, including two Central League titles (2015, 2018) and a Chatham Cup win (2019).

The 36-year-old Englishman said he is thrilled to be charged with the top job and looks forward to remaining at the helm as Rovers regain top-flight status.

 “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to continue to lead Napier City

Rovers into a new era. The club has a proud history, and with the latest New Zealand

Football [National League] structure coming into play I am proud to have been given

the responsibility of continuing to develop our local players and providing the region

with football at the highest level in the country,” said Robertson.

The experienced coach admits that there will be major challenges ahead as he navigates the changing waters of football in New Zealand. The border restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic also pose problems in terms of player recruitment, but Robertson says he is prepared for these obstacles and one of his main priorities will be the continued focus on youth development.

“One of the key trials of performing at the highest level as a regional club is around player recruitment and retention,” explained Robertson. “This has become even more challenging in recent times. The restrictions at the border have obviously stopped clubs from bringing in players from overseas, in turn, that has resulted in players becoming highly sought after from various clubs around New Zealand.”

However, he adds these restrictions present opportunities for additional local young players who are able to step-up and play at the top echelon, with already promising young talent coming through the club’s Talent Pathway Programme.

“Supporters can expect to see a number of young local players in the squad this season.  I am looking forward to working with these players as they perform at the highest level and test themselves against some of the best players in the country,” imparts Robertson”

Robertson continues that young players who chose to play football at Rovers and who are coming through the Talent Pathway Programme at the club benefit from a professional ‘culture and environment’ enhanced with the opportunity to be coached, play and develop at arguably one of the top footballing arenas in the country.

“Napier City Rovers offer a pathway to the highest level of football in New Zealand. Players can expect a professional environment, one of the best facilities in the country, and a culture of high standards for players to maximise their potential. As a coach, I try to focus heavily on the culture and environment we provide for young players. But, certain expectations come with being a Napier City Rovers player, and in turn, I try to encourage and develop young players to be accountable for their own individual standards.

When asked about his personal accomplishments since being at the club, Robertson was quick to point out that the sense of achievement that comes with Chatham Cup triumph and claiming league titles is only a part of what measures success. Being part of the development of young players who have progressed through the team to play at a higher level is rewarding for him as a coach.

“Success is measured in many ways”, said Robertson. “I have great memories of the on-field success we have achieved securing Central League titles and a long-awaited fifth Chatham Cup title for the club, but I am also proud of the platform and development we have provided to a number of local young players who have progressed with Napier City Rovers and gone to be high performing players on a national stage and overseas.

“We have achieved some great things in recent years and despite the new structure adding a few more challenges, we will, as always, focus on providing our players with a professional environment in order to maximise their potential. As a club, we must continue to evolve our level of professionalism particularly now we are the region’s elite platform.”

Acting chairman Graeme Sole says Robertson has done a great job in leading the team over the last several years and is the man to steer them into the new National League competition.

"We're delighted Bill will be staying with us here at the club. He has a great record at the club and we know he is the best coach to take Rovers forward at this time,” said Sole.

“Bill will provide the stability and coaching expertise needed as we navigate the new changes. His professionalism and coaching abilities are highly valued attributes that are essential to Rovers as we continue to pursue success and excellence on and off the field.”

Preparation for the season started several weeks ago when the players resumed training at NCRs training grounds.

“Pre-season preparations are underway with the players back on the grass a few weeks ago,” said Bill.

“There are a number of players unavailable due to the crossover with the National League but we are looking forward to getting the full squad together in a few weeks and playing a number of pre-season fixtures. “

Napier City Rovers play their first pre-season game against Massey University on February 27th at Bluewater Stadium, kick-off 2pm.

In their first National League – Central Conference home game they will welcome North Wellington to Bluewater Stadium on Friday, April 2^nd, kick-off 2pm.

Check www.cityrovers.co.nz for a full list of pre-season fixtures.

C'mon on you Blues.

Pride of Hawke’s Bay!                

Media enquiries to media@cityrovers.co.nz

Article added: Thursday 18 February 2021