TonyK
CibbuanoSheedy named GWS coach
November 9th 2009 01:34
AFL legened Kevin Sheedy has been named as the inaugural coach of the Greater Western Sydney franchise.
Sheedy has signed a three-year deal which means he will be in charge when the team enters the AFL in 2012.
The 61-year-old, who led Essendon to four premierships during his 27 years as coach before being replaced by Matthew Knights at the end of 2007, has been an ambassador for the AFL for the past two years.
He also played 251 games for Richmond and was a member of the Tigers' premiership sides in 1969, 1973 and 1974.
Sheedy said he was 'really excited' by the challenge of helping set up a new club.
"Clearly Western Sydney is a compelling opportunity for the game," Sheedy said.
"We should have a club here, but we have work to do to make sure we can show it will have the business, community and sporting support."
"I think I have a lot to offer and can play a strong role across a range of areas to give this club the best chance of being granted a license by the AFL Commission."
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said in a statement that Sheedy's appointment showed the league was serious about establishing a team in the rugby league heartland of Blacktown.
"The AFL has identified the Greater West of Sydney as a priority for expansion and Team GWS needs to demonstrate that it can build support and connect with the community," Demetriou said.
"Kevin Sheedy has been a success as a player and coach and is without peer when it comes to engaging new communities in our game."
High performance manager Alan McConnell will coach Team GWS in the TAC Cup next year under Sheedy's direction.
Sheedy has signed a three-year deal which means he will be in charge when the team enters the AFL in 2012.
The 61-year-old, who led Essendon to four premierships during his 27 years as coach before being replaced by Matthew Knights at the end of 2007, has been an ambassador for the AFL for the past two years.
He also played 251 games for Richmond and was a member of the Tigers' premiership sides in 1969, 1973 and 1974.
Sheedy said he was 'really excited' by the challenge of helping set up a new club.
"Clearly Western Sydney is a compelling opportunity for the game," Sheedy said.
"We should have a club here, but we have work to do to make sure we can show it will have the business, community and sporting support."
"I think I have a lot to offer and can play a strong role across a range of areas to give this club the best chance of being granted a license by the AFL Commission."
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said in a statement that Sheedy's appointment showed the league was serious about establishing a team in the rugby league heartland of Blacktown.
"The AFL has identified the Greater West of Sydney as a priority for expansion and Team GWS needs to demonstrate that it can build support and connect with the community," Demetriou said.
"Kevin Sheedy has been a success as a player and coach and is without peer when it comes to engaging new communities in our game."
High performance manager Alan McConnell will coach Team GWS in the TAC Cup next year under Sheedy's direction.
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