Geelong Rangers has posted a notice of intent to their rivals by appointing highly regarded coach Jim McLean to lead the club in the coming season.
The former professional player, who had stints at Sunderland and Greenock Morton, before playing for the Brisbane Lions, said he had watched the senior side over the past two seasons and believed the players were not reaching their potential.
“There is going to be a huge culture change to achieve what I want to achieve and that is going to include attitude and discipline,” McLean said.
“This is a good club, run by good people with excellent facilities and I am excited to be given the opportunity. My love of the game has never gone away and I want to pass it on and give value for money.”
He said he had turned down other clubs to take the job at Rangers.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and I am hoping to bring a new level of professionalism to the club, it’s all about preparation,” McLean said.
His said his team would play possession-based football.
“I’ve got my mind set on how things should be, it will be a good style, with plenty of possession with the obvious intent of putting the ball in the back of the net,” he said.
McLean, who has two sons at the club, Aaron and Andy, was not coming to Rangers to “make pals” and would be introducing new faces.
“The door is open for anybody to come and age does not come into it, if they are good enough they will get a chance,” he said.
Rangers’ development sides performed well at all levels last season and the club has provided a clearer pathway into the senior ranks by appointing highly regarded local Liam McCloskey as under 17 coach.
The club sees the appointment as a crucial link between junior and senior soccer.
Highly qualified and respected, McCloskey is attracting players to an already strong squad.
He will work together with McLean in producing players that are match-ready to step up.
“There’s real potential at this club and recently it has not been realised,” McLean said.
