"He’s an ex-North Coffs person and we were really keen to get Russ back to North Coffs because he started his footy at North Coffs first as a player back in the early ‘80s and then as a coach in the early part of the last decade.
"My main reason for getting Russ though is he’s the best man for the job."
A lot of AFL supporters in the district might be surprised that Matthews is no longer at the Saints but Matthews said him not being at the club he had so much coaching success with was a decision made by the Sawtell/Toormina hierarchy.
"I did apply at Sawtell and I was not successful with them," Matthews said.
"North Coffs offered me the opportunity and I thought it would be good to get back to the old club and the old players , I know a lot of them so it’s the start of a new time for me."
The Kangaroos finished on the bottom of the ladder in 2011 with only win so Matthews knows that it won’t take much to create an improved performance.
The new coach said that it’s simple things that will lead to a return to finals football next year.
"I’ll be trying to get the players to all jell together as a team and make sure that there’s no individuals out there, it’s all a team effort and make sure that’s the way they play the game," he said.
"If they play that way we should have a bit of success this year."
Story by Brad Greenshields from the Coffs Coast Advocate (and AFL North Coast Board)
Last Modified on 19/12/2011 12:43