SPENGLER EYES NEW-LOOK SAINTS
NEW St Leonards coach Andrew Spengler is set to bring up to seven recruits next season as the club eyes a “competitive” season in A1 in 2020-21.
Spengler, who was unveiled as the Saints’ new mentor this week, is hoping to add class to the side that earned promotion to the BPCA’s top tier after claiming the A2 premiership.
The hard-hitting batsman will also be available on a more frequent basis, giving St Leonards extra firepower.
“It was probably only my work commitments that meant I didn’t take the role last year,” said Spengler, a decorated local cricket veteran after success at Corio, North Shore and Newcomb & District.
“I was doing afternoon shifts and I couldn’t get to training, so I’m actually looking forward to training with the boys for the first time in seven years.”
Awarded the premiership after the season was abandoned after the semi-finals, Spengler admitted it was a “hollow” victory.
“Not only was the win not satisfying, we couldn’t even celebrate as a club,” he said.
“It was actually horrible, but there’s not much we can do.”
Spengler has cast his mind forward and hopes to add more talent in the next month.
“I haven’t got anyone 100 per cent over the line, but there’s seven that are saying they will play,” Spengler said.
“In my eyes they (prospective recruits) are definitely high quality. I can’t say too much without giving it away, but there’s a couple of former players that might come back to the club and there’s a couple of good, 18 to 19-year-olds that I rate highly from what I saw.
“Then there’s a couple of ex-teammates from a couple of my old clubs as well.”
Spengler is adamant his side can follow the lead of Queenscliff and push for finals.
“I’ve said that I won’t be too disheartened if I only pick up one of two because the core group of our young players will improve by five, maybe even 10 per cent, and that was the reason behind our success because we had good depth,” Spengler said.
“Even Richie (McCarthy), who has already committed (for next season), is really important for us.
“Just having him on board to give advice here or there (is invaluable) because everyone listens to Richie.”