Ifill could be player-coach

LEGEND: Paul Ifill . . . will he take up dual role with Wairarapa United? PHOTO/FILE

Wairarapa United would "dearly love" to have the services of ex-Wellington Phoenix star Paul Ifill as player-coach of their Central League side in the 2015 season.

The possibility of Ifill filling the dual role was aired when news broke late last week that he was to set up a coaching academy in conjunction with Wairarapa United at Masterton's Memorial Park once the new artificial turf, which will be utilised by rugby and football, was installed there.

In an interview with the Times-Age, Ifill said he was still holding on to the hope that with his injury woes on the mend he could still play at professional level but, failing that, then a coaching career with a club like Wairarapa United would be considered.

"We would dearly love to have Paul on board, as a coach and a player, but we'll just have to wait and see what happens," Wairarapa United president Phil Keinzley said yesterday.

"Imagine what a high profile identity like him could do for the club and Wairarapa football as a whole, it would be fantastic."

Even if Ifill doesn't don the Wairarapa United colours, Keinzley says having him involved in a hands-on capacity with the academy will be a huge attraction for the region's younger players looking to upskill their talents.

"We are talking about a guy who has been something of a legend with the Phoenix, what young guy or girl wouldn't want to benefit from his expertise."

Having Memorial Park as their headquarters is seen by Keinzley as another big boost for Wairarapa United who have plans to open a restaurant/cafe when home games are played on Friday nights and to provide entertainment which suits the whole family.

There is one problem to overcome, however, and that is a lack of volunteer helpers to ensure that everything goes smoothly.

"Right now, I'd say we will need up to 40 volunteers for every home game so, if there is anyone out there willing to help, we'd appreciate hearing from them," he said.

Keinzley believes it important Wairarapa United's other teams, the Capital third division men's side and their women's squad, are also given strong support.

He holds the view that if all the top female players in Wairarapa were available to front for the women's team, they could earn promotion to Central League.

For that to happen, the women would need to lead the Capital first division competition midway through the season, a situation which would see them promoted to Capital premier division.

Top that and their dream of Central League would be achieved.

"I honestly think we have the talent base in Wairarapa to go all the way but it depends on the players staying loyal to the province, if some of them choose to go elsewhere then it will become a lot harder."