Joondalup United is pleased to announce that Ian McMurray will be part of the club’s Football West State League coaching set up for the 2020 season.
McMurray will join Nick Jennings and Steve Flint to oversee the first team, with the aim to improve on the last campaign’s ninth place finish.
“I am extremely happy to be coming on board to coach the boys next year,” said McMurray.
“We finished the season strongly and although our league position wasn’t great, we put in some strong performances through the year.
“We know where we let ourselves down last year and we will be working hard to improve us individually and collectively so we will be stronger come next season.”
McMurray brings a wealth of experience to the coaching group, and he was part of the JUFC State League playing group in 2019.
Originally from Scotland, McMurray played with Dunfermline Athletic and had spells at local sides Linlithgow, Dunipace, Fauldhouse and Shotts before relocating to Western Australia.
He scored goals at ECU Joondalup, Perth SC, Cockburn City, Floreat Athena and Subiaco AFC before beginning his coaching career with Subiaco’s 18s where he oversaw a State Cup triumph.
McMurray was appointed as first team coach and oversaw the club’s inaugural National Premier League (NPL) season in 2017 before moving to JUFC this year.
“With all last season’s players keen to remain with us, we are also looking to add more quality to the squad,” he said.
“As well as that, we will be looking at the younger players coming through and any who standout will be given their opportunity at the higher level, but only if they are performing and showing they have the right attitude to step up.
“I am really looking forward to starting preseason strongly and getting us ready for the league.”
Meanwhile, Blaine Merredew and Sean Spence will continue as the reserves team coach and assistant coach having come close to winning the title last season and finishing second overall.
The club’s Technical Director Troy Reid will oversee the State League 18s, with Gary Crawford in the assistant’s role.
Full details of preseason training for all senior State League teams will be posted on the club website and social media channels in the coming weeks.