Rangers boss aiming high
COACH Nathan Rogers has promised the region will see a “very different Rangers side” as he prepares for his first season in charge of the club.
The former North Geelong Warriors under-20s and interim senior coach was an offseason coup for the Myers Reserve-based club, and Rogers says he plans to bring a new sense of professionalism to the club.
“They understand there is going to be a lot of structure to it,” Rogers said.
“My background doesn’t come from the low levels. My learning itself is structured football and that’s what we are trying to implement.
“My record at North Geelong (as interim coach) was very good. Four games in charge, zero goals conceded, three wins and one draw.
“All that was structured football. I played the young players.
“That same structure is going to be played at Rangers, and it’s proven at that level.”
State League 2 Rangers were gallant in their 2-0 loss to Geelong in their opening Community Cup match on Wednesday night, putting in a solid performance against a club that will make its NPL2 debut this season.
“Seventy per cent of the game Geelong failed to break us down and we had as many opportunities as them … I think it’s pretty good when you’re three tiers apart,” Rogers said. “To hold an NPL side like that … isn’t bad, considering they should be fitter, faster and more skilled. The boys did quite well.”
Rogers said the club had ambitions to rise through the state leagues, but wanted to do so with homegrown talent.
It was the main reason why Rogers was lured to the club.
“The club isn’t about spending money. We have a bigger picture,” Rogers said.
“The end goal is to bring the club back to the top. That’s more than a one-year goal.
“What’s the point of me bringing in players that I know are NPL level? They’ll cost too much money and are they going to stick around for three years?
“The club got me in with the methodology that we are going to develop local players.
“I think you will see a very different Rangers side.”
“The end goal is to bring the club back to the top.” RANGERS COACH NATHAN ROGERS