The club’s seniors were relegated from the top tier down to IDZONE 2, giving them a chance to regroup and rebuild.

“We didn’t have a fantastic year,” club manager Charles Flint said.

“Of the three teams we had one show a bit of promise but it didn’t translate into goals and that’s what you need to win matches.”

Tasked with improving the results is a new coaching roster.

Centre-forward Jason Chilby and his father Reg head up first grade while one of the club’s most dedicated members Peter Hamshaw takes charge of the reserves.

The teams are a mix of old heads and young talent.

At 56 Alec Stewart is the most senior player.

“He’s still scoring goals and showing the enthusiasm of a teenager,” Flint said.

“You need a balance in club, you can’t just have youth and energy, you need guidance. This year we’ve got a much better balance.”

Since 2010 the club has managed the occasional finals appearance and that’s something Flint wants to improve on.

“Nelson Bay are full of hope and spirit, has three great coaches and now needs to translate that into results,” he said.

“We’re hopeful the results will come now we have the energy right.”

Placed fifth at the end of round two, first grade had one win and a loss - only narrowly going down to 2-1 to New Lambton.

Reserve grade was placed sixth heading into the third round.

“We want to be competitive by season’s end. Results are based on working hard, having a little luck and good psychology.” 

With some results on the board the club will be able to address another big challenge – talent drain.

“Retaining senior players – even juniors for that matter – is hard because there are some attractive clubs in Newcastle,” Flint said.

“Once we secure a win or two and see those good results it will happen more and more, and that will help us retain that talent.”

Round three held little luck for the club on the weekend.

The firsts went down 0-9 to Argenton along with the reserves 0-4. 

“It was a very disappointing round,” Flint said.

“We need to regroup and focus on the job at hand when we take on Hamilton on Saturday.”