Tara Murray
Sometimes it’s all about timing and for new Werribee City coach Craig Moore, the timing was perfect.
Moore, who was an assistant coach at the Bees before COVID-19, was named as the new Bees coach replacing Domenic Barba.
The side had just one win for the Victorian Premier League 1 season, when the club decided to part ways with Barba.
The Bees reached out to Moore to see whether he would be interested in taking on the head coaching role.
Unbeknown to them, the Melbourne Knights had parted way with their coaching team that included Moore on the same day.
“I got a phone call on the Saturday morning from the coach [Ben Surey] saying the Knights had decided to move in a different direction and neither of us were required,” Moore said.
“I went to watch another match in that division and got a phone call and was asked if I was interested in coming across.
“I had no ties at that moment and it happened to be the same day I left the Knights. I don’t think he knew, the planets all aligned and I was in the right place.”
Moore said returning to the Bees sort of felt like he was coming home.
Moore has lived in Hoppers Crossing for more than 20 years and played and coached with Hoppers Crossing before making the step to the Bees who play in a higher level.
“There’s still a lot of people I know,” he said.
“I met up with a lot of the old guys at the club and I would keep them in the loop with what was happening.”
Moore said for him the biggest thing on field was to get some confidence back into the group.
Their only win came back in round one and they sit second bottom.
“I’m trying to get to know the players and what they need,” he said. “I want to support them and help give them confidence and the freedom on the park. Pressure does different things to different people.
“They’re under pressure and not performing at the moment.”
Moore said there were quality players in the squad but it was a matter of getting them focusing on playing for each other.
He said they just need a bit of direction when they play.
Moore’s first task isn’t an easy one, facing Bentleigh Greens on Saturday.
“Hopefully we can get some people into the ground and support the guys and create a great atmosphere and take the pressure off and support them.”
