To put it simply, newly appointed Sandringham reserves coach Paul Kennedy loves his football and an opportunity to return to club level was an opportunity he found too hard to resist.
Kennedy who coached the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League interleague side to a win over Ovens and Murray last year said the time was right to join Sandringham.
“I have had a couple of years off club level and I am keen to get back involved,” he said.
“I am looking forward to being around a preseason and am really interested in working with like minded people.”
There is no disputing the fact that Kennedy will be able to do the job with extensive football knowledge as both a player and a coach.
He played TAC Cup with Dandenong Stingrays, AFL reserves with Fitzroy before stints at VFL club Frankston and QAFL clubs Morningside and Mt Gravatt before finishing his career at Seaford.
Kennedy also knows a thing or two about hard work, working full time as journalist on the ABC Breakfast show, running his own sports show, Contact Sport, and also family life being a father of two but he would not have it any other way.
“It is very much a balancing act, but I love my journalism and I love my football,” He said.
“You could say I am very busy, but I would rather be very busy than have nothing to do.
“The things I do, I love doing, and they are not chores so it makes it easier.”
Although Kennedy has never played or been associated with Sandringham he has followed them closely during his career date and is excited to make the move.
“I know a lot of people that have played at Sandy and have played against then during my Frankston days,” he said.
“You always admire Sandringham for what they have done especially during their premiership years.”
With plenty of planning already put in place for next year Kennedy can’t wait to get amongst it all starting next week.
“I am very excited that is for sure,” Kennedy said.
“Who doesn’t want to be at a place like Sandy.”
Kennedy will take control of the Development team (reserves) and work closely with newly appointed senior coach Simon McPhee in assisting with the transition of up-and-coming players.
“I have only met Simon once but I was very impressed by what I saw,” he said.
“It will be really interesting to learn from him and there is also the St Kilda aspect as well."
Although Kennedy is highly regarded in football circles he is not aiming too high next season, he prefers rather to concentrate on the development of his chargers.
“My real aim is to get the players to get the best out of themselves,” he said.
“If I can play a small part in each player achieving this then I will be doing my job.”
- Troy Snow
Last Modified on 10/11/2011 14:01