Goonellabah Hornets have announced their Senior Men’s Premier Division coaching staff for the 2023 season.

Head coach Paul Foster returns to the nest for the upcoming season with his coaching staff Matt Weir, the Championship squad head Coach, Clint Willoughby as Assistant Coach and Paul Hampson, Squad Manager.

Local Legend Paul Foster returns to the local football scene following a successful professional career which includes coaching roles with the Australian Institute of Sport, the Young Socceroos and Joeys, as well as overseas roles as Head Coach of the Hong Kong Football Club and Hong Kong Football Association U23 Development Squad.

Many of the players involved in the above squads have gone on to become both senior Socceroos, as well as Hong Kong international representatives.

Foster stated "I have spent a large part of my professional coaching career teaching players how to both survive and thrive at the professional and international levels of the game. It is my overall intention to try to pass on the knowledge I have accumulated over the past 30+ years within the professional game to players and coaches in the local area. I have benefitted greatly from my involvement within the game, so if I can assist young local players with ambitions to play at a higher level I would like to do so."

"I’m very happy to have settled my family back in the area permanently, and am looking forward to the challenge of leading the Hornets next season, and to be frank, I am curious to see how a full time professional training program might be adapted to the part-time amateur environment. I’m confident that with the coaching team the club have put in in place we have all the elements we need to get the team playing an exciting brand of football, and to begin the process of returning the Hornets to regular finals football.'

Foster plays a face paced attacking style of football which is fluid in transition. This style of football is not only attractive to watch, its modern and aligns with the philosophy of today’s footballing heritage.

Foster and his team are motivated to improve the standard of football in the local league both on and off the field. He wants to empower the squad to become the best they can be, reconnecting them with the values of the community and a strong work ethic towards training and team progression. 

With Paul’s appointment also comes the acquisition of a very experienced playing staff.

Matt Weir has been with Goonellabah Soccer Club for many seasons in multiple roles both as a player and committee member and now takes the role as head coach of the Championship side. He aims to increase his own experience under the guidance of Paul and aide in the development of a unified senior squad. 

Clint Willoughby is taking the opportunity to once again work with Paul Foster, both who had success with the FFNC Suns U21 Team. Paul as head coach and Clint as an U21 player which lead him to a semi-professional contract in the QLD State League. Clint is looking forward to assisting Paul as head coach and learning the trade from a true professional with the possibility of leading to future coaching qualifications. 

Paul Hampson comes in as Squad Manager to share the wealth of knowledge made available in the coaching team. Hampson has been a local Premier Division player during the early stages of his career and most recently has been head coach of his son’s team, coaching an undefeated season. Hampson is kickstarting his career as a coach by learning from the best.

New Club President Jarryd Wilson stated “The committee for the Goonellabah Hornets identified Foster as their no.1 signing for the year. The wealth of knowledge, drive and local history Foster has to offer aligns with the clubs vision with the goal of returning the club to top honours in the league. Everyone involved firmly believes there is no one better for the role for both the club and community”.

Pre-season starts on the 10^th of January, The Goonellabah Hornets encourages all players interested in learning, growing and succeeding under the tutelage of Foster to come including junior players.