New recruits bring more competition
Coach Davor Tavich hopes his two latest acquisitions will increase the competition for places within the Tasman United squad.
Tasman have confirmed the signings of former Hawke’s Bay United midfielder Cory Chettleburgh and Vanuatu international centre-back Brian Kaltack for the 2017-18 ISPS Handa Premiership season.
The pair featured heavily for Wairarapa United during the recent Central League.
Having already re-signed the three starting midfielders from last season - Alex Ridsdale, Cameron Lindsay and Robbie Pearson - Chettleburgh’s arrival could signal a change in formation or force one of them out of position.
The same could be said for the heart of defence, where Daniel Allan and Luca Perico, the two starting centre-backs, have already committed to another campaign, meaning Kaltack faces some strong competition just to get into the starting 11.
But increased competition for places is what Tavich wants after finishing eighth in their first season, and it is an early indication that the squad should be better equipped for their second campaign.
‘‘What I’m hoping for is compe-
Paul Ifill, Cameron Lindsay, Alex Ridsdale, Robbie Pearson, Daniel Allan, Kieran Smith, Corey Wilson, Ryan Stewart, Callan Elliot, Lyle Matthysen, Sam Ayers, Matt Tod-Smith, Luca Perico, Cory Chettleburgh, Brian Kaltack. tition for places between quality footballers and I’m hoping that everybody is going to try and get a starting spot and create that intensity at training during the week that we can use on the weekend for competitive games and be a lot more effective when we play,’’ Tavich said.
‘‘We are going to have 22 players in the senior squad and everyone is more than capable of playing in the starting 11 and nobody is guaranteed a spot in the starting 11 on a weekly basis, so they are going to have to earn a starting position or even in the match-day squad.
‘‘But I think the players appreciate that and will be up for it. They are good mates but when it comes to selection you need to put yourself ahead of everybody else so I’m looking forward to it.’’
Chettleburgh, 26, played for Hawke’s Bay last season and brings plenty of national league experience, having also featured for Team Wellington and YoungHeart Manawatu in the past.
‘‘Cory has been around a bit and is a quality footballer. In addition to that he is a Kiwi footballer, which is a bonus these days.
‘‘But he brings that stability to the midfield. He is a great addition to our midfield of Alex, Robbie, Cam and the couple of youngers players coming through.’’
Kaltack, 23, will fill the import spot allocated to a player from an Oceania Football Confederation member nation outside of New Zealand. ‘‘With Brian, I watched him play when I went to watch Wairarapa. He’s a strong footballer and again has experience and knowledge. I just like the way he plays, he looks very smart on the ball and gives us a bit more strength and experience in the backline.’’
Tasman are expected to reveal a new overseas striker later this week.