Bucklands Beach have appointed Warwick McCarthy and Neil Finnigan as co-coaches for their Lotto NRFL Northern Conference campaign for 2023.
The experienced duo have been at the club for many years and have stepped up together for the challenge of leading the men’s first team and reserves.
In its announcement, the club says:
“Neil and Warwick work together like a well-oiled machine, and we are feeling the rumbling of great things happening, so watch this space as the season unfolds.”
Main photo: Warwick McCarthy (left) and Neil Finnigan … the new coaching partnership at Bucklands Beach. Photo: images supplied by BBAFC.
The club predicts an exciting year ahead.
“The atmosphere and enthusiasm amongst the players is a direct result of the coaches, both of whom are hugely valued members of our local community club, and have been for many years.
“It’s getting us back to the real culture of our club, the passion for the sport, team camaraderie, and growing a sense of personal pride.”
Neil Finnigan
Neil Finnigan has coached youth teams at BBAFC for more than 10 years, and last season stepped up to coach the reserves and assist with the first team, where he was well-received and respected, the club says.
With almost 20 years of teaching experience and involvement with school football at St Peter’s College, Finnigan has coached all demographics at BBAFC — boys, girls, men and women. He’s also coached goalkeepers.
“He brings a calm, organised approach to football, and is very approachable; all great assets of a fabulous coach,” the club says.
Warwick McCarthy
Warwick McCarthy has almost 20 years of coaching experience after a successful playing career as a striker, mostly for Howick AFC but with short stints at University, Ellerslie, Mt Roskill and Fremantle United.
He was part of the Northern Premier title-winning team in 1993 and a Golden Boot winner in 1989
McCarthy has coached senior teams since 2004 and junior teams since 2006.
“He brings great knowledge of both sides of the equation to our men’s first and reserve teams,” the club says.
Pre-season training
Pre-season training has been underway for the Northern Conference squad since early February, and sessions are being held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 6.30pm, at Rogers Park, Eastern Beach.