A perfect fit for Lee
WHEN Lee Vernon moves clubs, people stand up and take notice.
After three decades at Broadbeach United, Vernon shocked the established order when he moved to the Nerang Eagles in 2019.
Now the master coach is at the helm of an aspirational Robina City, whose grandiose plans align perfectly with his.
“I think the biggest thing was the formation of the new league,” Vernon said.
“Promotion-relegation … as a coach I questioned where I wanted to be longer term and of all the clubs on the Gold Coast, Robina is one that’s geared to go up the leagues.
“Its women’s program is there, its junior program is strong and that really enticed me.”
After two years in charge at Nerang, Vernon jumped ship to last season’s winless wooden spooners – and he has wasted no time in turning the wheels of change ahead of the newlook FQPL3 competition.
The club has already announced five new signings – three of them former starters for Vernon at Nerang – in an off-season statement of intent by club and coach.
“It’s been pretty hectic,” Vernon said.
“Myself and Russell, my assistant coach, have been working hard since day one.
“We knew the off-season would be on steroids and with promotion-relegation coming in, it’s proven to be that way.”
Robina will start its pre-season next Tuesday, when Vernon will cast an eye over the current crop of players before looking for further reinforcements.
With just one draw from 18 games last season, Robina has a lot of room for improvement.
“If you look at the signings we’ve already made, we have the framework of a very good defensive unit,” Vernon said. “My plan this year is to have a fast, mobile team and these players fit that mould.”