mmg.com.au

Picola United Football Club has welcomed back former player David Daniel to the fold to take up the senior coaching position in 2013.

Daniel played with the Blues from 2006 to 2009 before moving to play with Shepparton for two years and Nathalia’s premiership-winning side last season.

He will be joined by Purples teammate Brett Vallender, who will take up an assistant coaching position.

Vallender is respected in the Goulburn Valley and Murray football leagues, having played in five consecutive grand finals between 2004 and 2008 and last year’s Nathalia premiership, making it four grand final wins with the Purples.

Daniel said United presented an opportunity which he willingly accepted.

‘‘(Coaching) is something I’ve always wanted to do and Picola have given me an opportunity to do that,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve played in a few teams which have had success and I’ve gained an inside knowledge of how other clubs go about it.’’

Daniel acknowledged the challenge he faced, with United winning just two matches in the Picola and District Football League last season.

‘‘It’s a fairly young side, but we’re hoping to bring a few older heads in,’’ he said.

‘‘Brett’s one of those guys who’s a highly-credentialed player with plenty of ability.

‘‘He’s got a wealth of experience and I imagine we’ll be bouncing off each other.’’

The Blues will start their pre-season in early January.