Longstaff looking forward to the Premier League

The 2008 first division champions Canning City went through the season undefeated and won all before them, and Coach Frank Longstaff was delighted with their season and is looking forward to the challenge of Premier League football next season.

“Yes it is a massive challenge for the club next season but everyone is looking forward to it. We’ve worked hard to establish a good foundation to keep us in the premier league, and we have strengthened the coaching staff with Roy Hogan joining the 1st team coaching along with myself, Steve Walker, Billy Watson & Nigel Mann.  

“Roy brings a wealth of experience to the club having played almost 400 games for Hartlepool in the English leagues, and then spent time in the WA Premier League here with Spearwood, Perth Italia & Kelmscott Roos,” said Longstaff

The Southern suburbs club took out all the honours at the recent Football West Gold Medal night with Daniel Trevisiol picking up the first division player of the year, the under 18’s winning the league and Longstaff the Coach of the year. It was a huge season for the club but the hard work starts now.

Last season English import Paul Harvey helped the club gain their Premier League status and winning the first division top goal scorer. Longstaff hopes he can attract the same sort of player to the club this season.

“Paul was big asset for us last season as his goals will testify but in the current economic climate it is probably not financially feasible to bring Paul back but I certainly would not rule out an overseas player if it is right for the club.

“I believe we have all round strength at the club so would be more looking to create more competition for places so as to make sure every player is under pressure for his place.

“I’m confident the players from last season can establish us in the Premier league but we will have to add to the squad.  I’ve spoken to a number of players and have agreed terms with four at present,” said Longstaff.

He added: “The four are Jonathan Mathers and Anthony Feraon from Western Knights, Darren Kingston from Armadale and Adam Thurston from the UK. Mathers is a left sided player that will give us pace & quality and good service to the front players, and Fearon is a young strong forward who will give us strength & pace up front.

“Kingston is another strong & pacy forward, while Thurston is a strong tough tackling midfielder with good range of passing.

“We have agreed terms with all the players, and we will have a look at how we go in the night series and assess it from there.”