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The Gunnedah Imperial Hawks are flying the coop and switching competitions after a horror 2014 season in the Northern Inland Premier League (NIPL).
The battling Hawks struggled to keep their heads above water last year and finished last of seven teams in the expansive NIPL football competition.
First grade won only two of 18 games and reserves just one.
To help make their football more enjoyable this season, the Hawks will ditch the NIPL to instead field two grades in the Tamworth District Football Association – a six-strong competition which will see the Gunnedah club only travel as far as Kootingal and Quirindi at most.
The change will negate the dreaded Saturday trips to Inverell, Guyra and Moree and hopefully offer a more competitive arena for Hawks players.
“Unfortunately we just don’t have the depth for NIPL at this stage,” Hawks spokesman Gary Sams said.
Prior to reaching its decision to switch competitions, the Hawks sought out a possible merger with cross-town rivals, Gunnedah United.
That option however “fell through”, Sams said.
“It could happen in the future but it won’t be this year,” he added.
“So we’ll continue on our way and see what happens.”
A merge between the two clubs has long been in discussion but little has ever come of it and 2015 looks to be much the same.
“We all want a strong competition,” he said.
“And the door is open for the sport in Gunnedah at the moment.
“Hopefully (this move) will help our player base.”
The Hawks have received initial approval to join the Tamworth competition and surprisingly warming consent from the NIPL to leave.
“They (NIPL) are fine with it,” Sams said.
“They’re actually trying to bring their numbers back.”
Sams, who coached reserve and first grade last year, intends to step away from official duties this season.
After almost a decade in the job, he is seeking expressions of interest from candidates to coach the club in 2015.
He plans to be still involved with the club in some capacity but thinks the time is right to relinquish the reins as coach.
The club will kick off the 2015 season preparations with its AGM held from 7.30pm on Thursday, February 5, at the Gunnedah Hotel.
New and returning players and club members are invited to attend with pre-season training due to start around the same week.
Applications for coaching positions are to be made in writing to PO Box 586, Gunnedah, 2380, preferably prior to the AGM.
