PYKETT’S INSTANT IMPACT
THERE’S an old saying: You only get one chance to make a good first impression.
English utility John Pykett, in that case, has made an incredibly good impression after scoring a brace on debut for his new club Surf Coast in the State League 4 season opener last weekend.
Pykett starred in his new team’s 6-1 demolition of Bell Park in their derby clash at Banyul Warri Reserve.
The hard-working former North Geelong speedster, who was tearing up the NPL2 wings just last season, this year decided to make the crosstown move to the Coasters.
Despite only recently having made the shift, he already feels at home.
“Since recently moving to Surf Coast, I have been welcomed by all board members, managers and players and already feel like a valued member of the team,” Pykett said.
“These past three months of preseason have been hard for me personally, in which way to go, after being released by North Geelong with such little notice.
“But, after speaking to (coach) Ash Dafter and (previous coach) Rob Panetta while on trial at Corio, I realised Surf Coast is a club with not only amazing facilities but also an ambition to get promoted and one day be an NPL team.”
It was an easy decision for the Englishman to make, with the move a homecoming of sorts. His actual home is literally around the corner, just two minutes from the newly expanded Torquay North complex.
Pykett is hell-bent on doing his bit to help the club achieve its main aim this year – earning promotion.
“After seeing the hours and commitment Ash puts in to the talented group of players we have, I see no reason why we can’t get promoted this year,” Pykett said.
His coach Ash Dafter has already been more than impressed by his star recruit. “John has been outstanding since arriving from North Geelong. He has had such a positive impact on the lads since joining only a few weeks ago,” Dafter said.
I realised Surf Coast is a club with not only amazing facilities but also an ambition to get promoted and one day be an NPL team.
The Coasters’ first-year mentor also revealed there are bigger plans on the horizon for his prized signing.
“John will play a much bigger role for the club moving forward,” Dafter said. “He is coming on board as junior coaching co-ordinator for our under-12 to under-16 girls and boys, which involves supporting our junior coaches with coaching sessions. He will be working closely with our football director Adrian Leijer to help fuel Surf Coast FC’s aim of becoming a hub for talented young players in the local region.”