Souths Logan Magpies are pleased to announce that Steven Bretherton has been appointed as head coach of the club for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
Bretherton has a long-standing relationship with Souths Logan Magpies junior and senior teams, having coached Auswide Bank Mal Meninga Under 18 and Hastings Deering Colts teams, as well as Souths Logan BRL reserve grade team in his 14-year coaching career.
Bretherton started coaching with Souths Juniors before progressing through the coaching ranks in the Souths Logan system and was keen to create a strong pathway for local juniors from within the Souths Logan corridor.
“As a football club, we are extremely keen to further define our strong affiliations with our junior teams and corridor clubs, in conjunction with the schools in our catchment, and in so doing provide the pathway that sees all juniors aspire to one day wear the Souths Logan Magpies jersey,” Bretherton said.
The Magpies have been a part of Bretherton's life for as long as he can remember, with father Wayne coaching and playing for the Magpies at Davies Park in the 1980s.
“I jokingly said at last year's presentation night that I had no choice but to be a Magpie from birth, with my affiliation having been there for basically my whole life due to my father being at Souths for as long as I can remember,” Bretherton said.
With the 2021 pre-season less than a month away, Bretherton was looking to instil in his players the club's history and culture, whilst consistently reminding the group that they need to create their own success and legacy.
“We will be reinforcing the proud history we have as a football club, whilst striving to be the next group to emulate what past great teams in our 113-year history have done by achieving the ultimate goal of a premiership,” Bretherton said.
Souths Logan Magpies CEO Jim McClelland said Bretherton's announcement as head coach with the club was an exciting and well-deserved appointment after his years of service at all coaching levels.
“Everyone at the club who knows Steve is super excited by his appointment and we will all ensure he is given every opportunity to succeed in the role,” McClelland said.
Bretherton was appointed after a thorough interview process undertaken by the club to fill the head coaching role, with McClelland saying he was pleased with the outcome.
“Replacing the incumbent coach Jon Buchanan was never going to be an easy task, and after identifying three suitable candidates for the position we felt that Steve deserved the opportunity," McClelland said.
"Our club culture is built around development and promotion, making 2021 Steve’s time to step up and make the role his own.”
Souths Logan Magpies will start their pre-season campaign in November in preparation for the 2021 Intrust Super Cup season.
