After 12 years involved with the Wollongong Wolves youth development, Willis has promised to bring a “vibrant” brand to the Illawarra Premier League. 

Helping lead the new era is a familiar face, with 2006 Socceroos World Cup hero Scott Chipperfield returning to Australia to be part of the Tarrawanna coaching staff. Willis has already signed nine players so far, with a number of regular faces returning to pre-season training in the hot summer sun at Tarrawanna Oval at the foot of the mountains.

“I didn’t envisage coming back to the premier league, it’s was just something that cropped up," he said.

“So I decided it was time for a change. It’s a new philosophy for the club.

“But I want to help develop some of the kids and bring some vibrant football to the club. Tarrawanna have always been competitive in the league, it’s my job to help them take the next step.”

Among the new faces a ex-Wolves goalkeeper Tom Hamilton, youth talent Samuel Isabella and Matt Mazevski. However, Willis will still be able to rely on the experience of several players, including former George Naylor Medallist Darren Stone. Dismissing the need for time to develop his young squad, Willis is adamant Tarrawanna can be an instant force under his management. 

“We’ve got a few in the under 18’s who we think can go on with it (into first grade),” he said. “The club’s not high financial, but they’ve been great. Everything I’ve asked for they’ve come to the table.

“I’ve got to assess what the club already has and how it all fits, it’s up to me now, but I feel like I’ve already got a good side.”

Chipperfield will remain in Wollongong throughout the pre-season, as he considers his coaching options for next year.

Retiring this year after playing with FC Aesch at the end of a career which included playing European Champions League with Swiss club Basel. Chipperfield returned to Australia to celebrate the Socceroos famous World Cup qualification penalty shoot-out victory over Uruguay.

“I decided to stay on until at the least the end of January,” Chipperfield said.

“(Tarrawanna) didn’t have a trainer for the under 18s, so I said I’d help out until they found somebody. 

“I’ve been working with small groups of kids in Switzerland. Im doing my coaching licences  but this is the first time I’ll be involved with a full squad, so it will be good to get into the coaching side of the game a bit more.”