The next generation of Wollongong Wolves is in safe hands, after the club announced the recruitment of Steve O'Connor as Under 20s coach on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A former Socceroo and veteran coach, O'Connor was in charge of the Australian Institute of Sport football program from 1995 to 2008.
It was during this time that he helped develop the golden generation of Australian footballers, including Mark Viduka, Lucas Neill,John Aloisi and current Wolves coach Luke Wilkshire.
Having had his playing style and skills shaped by O'Connor during his time at the AIS, Wilkshire said O'Connor is the perfect man to develop Wollongong's top emerging footballers.
"Steve was in charge of the AIS when I attended as a 16 and 17 year old," Wilkshire said. "He had a massive influence on my career and many other players who went on to become household names in Australian football and to have careers in the top leagues in Europe.
"Steve has always been exceptional with young players and this is why we have brought him in. We view our under 20's team and program to be very important to the future of our club and our region.
"The way Australian football is set up, players in this age group are at a crucial stage in their development and Steve will help develop these players.
"Steve is a winner and will instill a mentality of hard work and persistence into these players, whilst at the same time, demanding they play in the style I want the whole club to play in.
"I look forward to working closely with Steve and developing these players with a view to winning the league and having the players put pressure on our first team squad. I want to see these players break into the squad and become first team regulars."
O'Connor's duties as a Wolves coach will being on Saturday when he attends the final round of trials for next year's under 20s squad.
Having formed a close relationship with Wilkshire over the past two decades, the former Australian Under 20s head coach said he's excited to help produce the next crop of Wollongong stars.
"I am looking forward to working with Luke and at the club," O'Connor said. "In my talks with the club I was impressed with what they are trying to achieve both on and off the pitch.
"I worked with Luke during his time at the AIS and he obviously went on to have a great career. Now I get the chance to work alongside him and I am looking forward to that.
"I believe that I still have a lot to offer and I am also looking forward to developing the club's young players."