Jacob Timpano believes his former Wolves assistant coach Nick Montgomery won't be overawed as he begins his next chapter as an A-League coach.
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The Mariners on Friday announced that Montgomery would take the reins following the sudden departure of head coach Alen Stajcic. Montgomery played for Central Coast between 2012-17, before moving to Wollongong where he played 30 NSW NPL games for the Wolves across two seasons. He also spent time learning his managing craft under then head coach Timpano.
"He was retiring from the A-League and we were after a midfielder, so through some mutual friends, I contacted Nick. And the moment I spoke to him, he was a super guy and super professional," Timpano said.
"So we got him down to Wolves to play in the back end of 2017 and he enjoyed it so much he agreed to play on in 2018. Although he was playing, he also came on as an assistant coach which was great for me and the club, and gave him his first taste of getting involved in coaching."
English-born Montgomery's professional career started with Sheffield United, where he spent 12 seasons. He then went to Milwall on loan before arriving in Australia to represent the Mariners. After hanging up the boots, Montgomery headed back to the Central Coast to coach the Mariners' NPL and Y-League sides, helping them win the NPL2 premiership/championship double in 2020.
Timpano says the 39-year-old is now ready to make his mark in the A-League.
"I think he's probably always been destined to be a head coach. I spoke to him yesterday and I'm rapt for him," he said.
"He's been successful with Mariners in the NPL and youth squad, and he's unearthed a few of those young boys that have come through. Most notable is Alol Kuol who has signed in Germany. Nick's got an eye for talent and he's done his apprenticeship with a few years in coaching.
"The head coach role in the A-League may have come sooner than he expected, but he's got his UEFA pro licence which qualifies him to coach in the A-League. He's been at the Mariners for a long time and the opportunity came up, and I think it's a good appointment."
The A-League grand final may have only been a week ago, but it's already been a hectic off season for Central Coast. After helping the side reach finals, assistant coach Nahuel Arrarte followed Stajcic out the door, while their list of departing players includes Koul, Jack Clisby and Daniel de Silva.
"For now, they're probably going to be a club that can't compete financially. But they did quite well this year," Timpano said. "But one thing 'Monty' will do is get the team together working hard for each other."
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Joshua Bartlett
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
A sporting fanatic who is keen to promote all codes in the Illawarra and abroad. Mercury's chief football reporter.
