Richmond Soccer Club Announce First Team Coaches for Season 2013

VPL Club Richmond Soccer Club has today formally announced their first team coaching line up for Season 2013. Jean-Marc Imbert and Tony Merakis have been appointed respectively as First Team Coach and Assistant Coach.

Jean-Marc has over 10 years coaching experience and as well as having obtained the B.E.E.S 2nd Degree of Coaching has supplemented this with study at the world renowned French National Football Federation Centre of Excellence at Clairefontaine and with French Clubs Paris St Germain and Troyes FC.

Tony Merakis is approaching his 10th season as a coach. With an AFC B licence he will be embarking on the A licence in 2013. Tony is an ex-Richmond Senior player and coached a number of Richmond Youth teams in seasons, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

These appointments were made after a comprehensive recruitment exercise both in Victoria and interstate.

Commenting on the appointments Richmond Vice-President Rob Lange said,

“What impressed the selection committee was the passion, energy and football philosophy of both Jean-Marc and Tony and whilst we interviewed a number of well-credentialed and experienced coaches we felt that these appointments set the foundations for the coaching pathway we wish to introduce at Richmond. We believe that both will complement the other and work in a genuine partnership. Both passionately believe in the development of Youth players and that if you are good enough you are old enough. That said we look forward to the Richmond SC team being a competitive and effective one in 2013. Importantly both coaches believe in the One Club, One Vision, One Future philosophy that is being implemented at Richmond SC”

Speaking shortly after formally being appointed Jean-Marc said “I am flattered and honoured to have been given this opportunity to coach this proud Club. There will be some interesting developments on the Football horizon for season 2014 and our preparation for that starts now”

Tony Merakis added “For me this represents another step in my football education. This club meant a lot to me as a player, and it means even more to me as a coach. I look forward to working with Jean-Marc and the Committee to position Richmond S C for continued success”

For further information contact Robert Lange on 0402 407 582 or email

vice-president@richmondsc.com.au

Victorian Premier League fixtures released

By Donald Sutherland December 12, 2012



The Football Federation of Victoria (FFV) today announced the full fixture for the upcoming 2013 Victorian Premier League (VPL) season.

The opening round kicks-off on Friday 5 April 2013 with Bentleigh Greens hosting Richmond at Kingston Heath, before the round continues on Saturday and Sunday.

Port Melbourne marks its return to the top tier of Victorian football, playing Hume City at SS Anderson Reserve on Friday while fellow promoted side Pascoe Vale travel to Somers Street on Sunday to take on the might of Melbourne Knights.

Current Champion and winner of the 2012 Treble Dandenong Thunder will start its title defence with the short trip to Kingston Heath Soccer Club to face Southern Stars.

Dandenong plays its first game at home, behind closed doors, in round two when it welcomes back former leading goal scorer Luke Sherbon after his off-season switch to Bentleigh Greens.