After three successful seasons as Senior Coach of Hampton Rovers, Guy Martyn has advised the Club that he will be standing down following Saturday’s game against Parkdale Vultures. His replacement has already been found, with current senior assistant coach Owen Lalor being appointed for season 2016 and beyond.
Appointed in October 2012 at the age of 26, Martyn’s appointment was seen as the beginning of the new era after the club had slipped two divisions in as many seasons and in danger of continuing the slide.
Martyn set about a recruiting spree, initially securing highly sought after coach Lalor as his assistant, followed by a plethora of quality players who had previously departed the Rovers including current co-captain Daniel Corp, Mark Devereaux, Jay Ting, Josh Verlin, Adam McNeill, Stuart Burggraaff and Kyle Pinto.
Martyn’s debut season could not have gone any better with a win-loss ratio of 18-2 and winning the club its first premiership in 12 years.
2014 saw a promotion to Premier C and Martyn’s role transforming to include part-time playing duties. He was only able to get himself onto the park for six games, but he saved his best til last. In steering the club to its second consecutive Grand Final, Martyn kicked six goals in an explosive display to secure back-to-back premierships, the first time the club had been able to achieve this since 1946/1947.
This year, Martyn has again led with power, safely securing the club’s position in Premier B for 2016.
Martyn’s legacy will be etched in the club’s history forever. He brought the Rovers a level of professionalism never seen before. In his 57 games as coach, Martyn walks away with a phenomenal winning percentage of 71%.
The Hampton Rovers Football Club would like to sincerely thank Guy for what he has brought to the club. He leaves Boss James a better place due to his hard-work, commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm. Guy has indicated that he intends on staying on at the club in 2016 in a playing capacity.
The highly sort after Owen Lalor takes the reigns as Senior Coach following three seasons as Martyn’s assistant.
Lalor’s aim is to take the club to the next level, that being VAFA Premier Division in the short term future. He coached St Bedes/Mentone to an A-Grade Grand Final in 2011 and has coached multiple VAFA Representative sides.
“I know this club has the potential to crack it into A-Grade and that is one of the main reasons I was so keen to apply for the job” Lalor said.
Recruiting meetings have already commenced for 2016 and the future for the Rovers is extremely bright.
