Frankston Strikers 2007

With only avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth in season 2006, Frankston Strikers have turned their fortunes around with sheer hard work. Quick to re-appoint George Hughes who came on board midway through last season and helped them to avoid the prospect of Provisional League football
Starting pre-season training early January, George sought the services of Dougie Chisholm as assistant coach who he has worked with on and off for the past few years. Both put there charges thru there paces in various local locations, with the drought kicking in, Centenary Park was never going to recover the work carried out by the Council late last year. So between the Karingal gym,Seaford beach and Monash University for training facilities the coaches then set about attracting young local talent to the club.
The Council’s decision to play all home games away from Centenary Park was an unavoidable inconvenience; old Karingal ground at Ballam Park was the new temporary home venue.
George’s knowledge of the local talent stood him in good stead with the signings of Damien Nadjer, Gareth Evans, Jamie Skelly and John Jovan from Div 1 club Langwarrin, he also somewhat remarkably persuaded 2 very well known players Greg Kilner and Simon O’Donnell to ply there skills in the 3rd Div. Greg’s experience was invaluable although a long term knee injury ruled him out all season, Simon on the other hand went on to have a sensational season scoring 23 goals in the promotion campaign.
Old heads Alex Rae (capt) Steve Keenan, mixed with the experienced Robbie Currie, Mickey Moore and Lee Wilkinson gave the squad a balanced look with a host of youngsters coming in. George also picked up Matt Minor, goalkeeper from Nth Caulfield who had just won promotion the year before.
Marcus Brownlie (21) Gary Hughes(22) Joe Donaghy (16) Luke Ventieri (21) Mark Le Gnok (21) Matt Pearce (24) are the real future of the club as they pursue a life in Div2.
With Joe Donaghy currently trialing overseas at 16 already a regular in the starting eleven the emphasis is certainly on youth mixed with the right type of experience.
Promotion was wrapped up at Darebin on a cold Wednesday night in late August with a catch up game against rivals Endeavour Utd, 2 goals from the reliable O’Donnell and 2 from Murat Demirkol signed mid season from Cranbourne secured a 4-1 win and promotion to 2nd Div.
The merge with Peninsula Junior Soccer club was a significant step with the senior squad now backed up with juniors from under 7s all the way the thru to u’18s, and a new name borne Peninsula Strikers, which will come into effect next season

Dave Reid and Jimmy Stewart, the emphasis again on youth with up to 6 players all under 15 playing every week, ably looked after the Reserves.

The committee has worked hard and supports George Hughes in his quest to get Strikers back up the leagues where they have enjoyed some success in the past.
The supporters are a very loyal and vocal bunch down at the Strikers and when the Pines and Langwarrin are not playing they get the added support to cheer on the boys.
Good luck to all at Peninsula Strikers for 2008.