Tara Murray
New Yarraville Glory coach Andy O’Dell was itching to get back into coaching.
O’Dell was set to coach Whittlesea United this year and had gone through all the pre-season with the side.
A hip operation early in the season landed him in hospital for 90 days, meaning he had to step away.
So when Yarraville Glory came calling, he was keen to get back into the coaching game with the FV state league 1 north-west side.
“I’m football mad,” he said. “Being away from it was hard.
“I’ve been coaching for over 20 years. Every time I’ve coached or played against Yarraville, I’ve enjoyed playing them and they’ve been difficult to beat.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to coach them.”
O’Dell said president Jim Babatzanis had been another reason he was keen to coach the squad.
He said the president allowed him to focus on the on field side of things and provide the support when needed.
The Glory come off a mixed season in 2024.
It had a slow start and was in the relegation battle and there was a coaching change thrown in there as well.
The club had a better second half to the season and managed to finish in ninth spot.
“They have some good young players,” O’Dell said. “They had a good second half of the season.
“I’ll look to bring in some of my players and some visa players from the UK and hopefully we’ll be hard to beat and things will go well for the club.”
O’Dell has had success in state league 1 north-west before and is familiar with the competition.
The squad he put together at Whittlesea United claimed the title this year.
“We’re not guaranteed to win, but I know the league quite well,” he said. “Hopefully we will go quite well next year.’
While pre-season doesn’t start until January, O’Dell is already getting to work.
He met the existing playing group on Monday and is set to meet with four new players who are coming to the club.
“Hopefully we have some young boys and some experienced players and it’s a good mix.”
