WERRIBEE City wants to first and foremost consolidate its place in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1.
The Bees were promoted to the state’s second tier after a long-awaited capture of the state league 2 title last season and premiership-winning coach Nino Raguso said the new season was about establishing themselves at the level with the loftier targets to come in the fullness of time.
“The whole club is excited about this promotion. The goal is to make sure we stay in the division and in a couple of years push for the Premier League.”
The Bees are in a transitional period in the club’s history. There has been unprecedented interest from players wanting to join to club since their return to SL1.
They have set up a temporary base out of Arndell Park in Truganina, while their traditional home at Galvin Park undergoes a multi-million dollar makeover.
Facilities are Arndell Park are new and night games can be played.
The club is pushing the FFV for approval to have its round two home opener against Western Suburbs brought forward to be played as a Friday night game on April 13.
The Bees are on the road against Port Melbourne Sharks for their season opener on Saturday and will field a youthful side topped up by the priceless experience of former Socceroos Danny Tiatto and Joe Spiteri.
“I’ve settled on a young team because the club is serious about developing a team for the long term,” Ragusa said. “The bracket of players we targeted was between 22 and 26. We’re not going to go year to year.”
The Bees have brought in highly rated goalkeeper Manny Pappas, stiffened up the backline with former Australian under-age representative and Brisbane Roar central defender Ben Griffin and injected speed in the attack with the capture of Leigh Minopoulos from Oakleigh Cannons.
