Craig Whitson has taken over the coaching reins for this year’s Football South Premier League season.
Having been involved with the club for 43 years in playing, coaching and administrative roles, he was excited to have a chance at coaching its top team.
He played for the side when he was younger, following his father and older brother.
To make the family connection even stronger, his grandfather, James Whitson, was the club’s founding treasurer.
"I love the club, but it’s not about me, it’s about the players," Whitson said.
"I’m really enjoying the players, actually.
"I’m enjoying the effort they’re putting in."
He had plenty of experience in coaching, having led the second team last year and coaching various women’s representative and age-grade teams.
"I took the second team last year [and] we finished runner-up to Cavvy in the second division. So [the premier league is] a step up.
"But I think a lot of the main principles apply. We’ve got a squad of 20 players, they can all play football, so I’ve got to devise a system that they can all use their ability and work together to get results."
The team had lost several players from last year, although it had some handy pickups over the off-season.
Its biggest challenge would once again be toppling a Caversham team which won all 18 its league games last season.
After Mosgiel finished third last year, Whitson is hoping to at least do the same this year.
"But in reality I want to go out and win every game we play."
Mosgiel made a great start to the season on Saturday by beating Northern 5-0. Green Island drew 3-3 with Dunedin Technical.
- Taieri Times
