Coach returns to the fold at United

No stranger to the club or to coaching, Doolin had mixed feelings about being back.

“I’ve been out since 2005, which is a fair gap, but I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s lovely to be back.

“You get a lot of enjoyment out of coaching.

“They’ll either make you smile or make you pull your hair out.”

For Doolin, the coaching team and the club, Tuesday’s training was an opportunity to assess where the team was at.

“The goal for the pre-season is to come together as a team,” Doolin said. 

“If they can play like I know that they can we should get some success.

“We’ll be working on positional responsibilities. We will get the players to understand their positions, their individual roles and to work together as a team.

“We will try to make the finals, that’ll be the first (goal) we’ll set as a team.

“We’ll take whatever comes after that. It’s an open story.”

Leeton United president Rod Harrison was one of many that was pleased to have Doolin return.

“I’m excited to have Mick back (as coach),” Harrison said. “I don’t think he’s ever left. He’s turned up to previous games, had a look around and liked what he’s seen.”

The club has brought in a number of new players this year and has a strong focus on bringing players up through United’s junior sides.

“We’ve got a good crop of young players,” Harrison said.

“I think that’s where he’s (Doolin) looking, at improving them and bringing them through. We’ve also brought on some new players. We look after them and treat them like locals as soon as they get here.

“The team has some real experience there, we’re hopeful that (will) work well together with the young ones.”

With eyes on the start of the season, Leeton United will face Albury in a knockout competition, as well as taking on Cootamundra and Wagga in trial matches.

Dates have yet to be finalised. While two of the games will likely be played away, Leeton United will face Wagga at home.