ENGLISHMAN Neil Thorman admits sending departing Young captain-coach Luke Branighan out a winner is an added motivation for the Cherrypickers against Junee on Saturday.
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After four years at Young, Branighan, 34, has not re-signed for 2016, with Thorman (pictured) to step into the Cherrypicker’s role.
At 31, Thorman is an ideal replacement for the star playmaker, who intends to pursue other coaching options.
Coming ahead of Young’s desperation game against Junee at Alfred Oval on Saturday, Thorman’s appointment follows the decision of Michael Henderson to walk away this week from the Temora coaching post.
With the departure of Branighan and Henderson, the Group Nine landscape will have lost two of its most imposing football figures.
Thorman, however, is brimming with excitement and enthusiasm to step up to Branighan’s post.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Thorman said yesterday.
“I’ve always wanted to try myself as a player-coach.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Recruited by Branighan from England this year, Thorman has coached at “community” and under-18 level in his home country, but Young is his first senior posting.
Significantly, Thorman’s playing skills are beyond question – he has been consistently one of Young’s best players this season.
Thorman says walking into the Young position has been made all the easier by Branighan’s hard work in setting a foundation.
“Branno’s done a great job,” Thorman said.
“He’s built the team up and there is so much potential there.”
Thorman is adamant a victory for Young over Junee would be the best possible way to honour the input of Branighan at the club.
The Englishman is patently aware of the sheer importance of a Cherrypickers’ success on Saturday.
“Obviously we need to win to have a chance of making the finals,” Thorman said.
“There is no guarantee but we can give ourselves a shot.
“It would definitely be good to win for Branno.
“He’s put in a lot of effort.”’
Thorman, who can play various playmaking positions, but thrives at hooker, believes Young is a club with huge potential.
He also regards the return of highly talented James Woolford to his hometown club next year as a huge bonus.
“I’ve heard so much about him (Woolford),” Thorman said.
“I’d like to get a chance to see him playing before next year.”
Woolford left Young as a teenager and played in Melbourne Storm’s premiership-winning Toyota Cup team in 2009 before moving to Newcastle Wests.
This year he is playing under his uncle Simon Woolford at Queanbeyan Blues and will head to Young when he completes his duties.
In another boost, Young has re-signed explosive Tui Samoa for next year, while also working overtime to retain the impressive local players.
“As a club we are very excited with where we are at looking towards next year,” Young secretary Beau Elsley said.
“With the clubs two junior sides making the semi-finals, the future looks bright.”
