Former All White and long-time coach Keith Garland has been appointed senior coaching director at Queensland Premier League club Surfers Paradise Apollo.
The role sees Garland step up from coaching the club’s U-23 side after an exodus of senior players and coaching staff at the club.
Apollo play in the Football Queensland Premier League, the second tier of the state’s men’s competitions.
Main photo: Keith Garland … new role at Queensland club. Photo credit: Surfers Paradise Apollo.
“I really enjoyed my time at Surfers this year and working with the U-23’s, and am pleased to have a more ‘hands-on’ role with the coaching of the senior teams next year,” he told the club’s social media channel.
“Whilst it’s no secret a number of players and coaching staff have moved on this year, we must now look forward and treat this as an opportunity to rebuild new teams and opportunities for younger players with the help and support of a dedicated coaching group.”
Garland (70), who played National League football for Mt Wellington, Manurewa and East Coast Bays, has more than 30 years experience of coaching in New Zealand and Australia. He played seven full internationals for New Zealand in the 1980s.
He’s held coaching roles with the New Zealand national men’s and women’s squads, the U-23 Olywhites and coached Fencibles United and North Shore United.
Since moving to Queensland, he has coached male and female youth teams, led four clubs to senior titles and coached the Gold Coast senior men’s rep team for three years.
Of his new role, Garland said: “I’m committed to playing my part in the development of our senior teams and to re-establish Apollo’s presence in the Gold Coast footballing scene moving forward.
“One thing that I promise to all players is that you will be well coached and will be provided opportunities to prove yourself if you work hard enough. I am looking forward to working with you all next year.”
Apollo’s head coach for the past six years, Alex Morrison, has left the club after winning four successive titles and back-to-back promotions, and winning four consecutive Coach of the Year awards in three different competitions.
Morrison said: “Whilst I will not be coaching next year at Apollo, I remain committed to my club and intend to stay involved moving forward.”
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