I guess not many people were expecting to read a Ryan Campbell column when the A-League Women’s (ALW) season kicked off.
But, here I am.
Obviously, I wasn’t really anticipating getting the head coaching role at the start of 2023/24.
However, when Gary (van Egmond) was sought by China, I began to think about whether I wanted the position or not.
Trust me, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it.
Gary was really good about it though; he thought it was a positive step for me… and to give it a go.
So, it sort of fell into my lap at the right time.
Clearly, it was a bit of a risk because the girls were performing strongly with Gary.
If things didn’t go quite well, then there might have been a few question marks as to whether or not I’m right person.
But, I shouldn’t have worried.
The girls have been great in regards to their attitude and the way in which they’ve actually just got on and done a job.
Since then, I’ve jumped into the role and everything’s progressed from there.
I’m learning on the run and giving it my best shot.
To know the players are so close to the play-offs is exciting, too.
They’re a good group… and they’re all hard-working.
From my point of view, that’s great.
Thankfully, I believe most of the girls were comfortable with me taking over the reins.
I don’t think they wanted things to change too much.
They were pretty happy with how everything was going and felt I was a good fit for what was already happening at the Jets.
That made me feel good because it obviously meant that I didn’t have to come in and upset the applecart.
I was already doing a lot of what was occurring anyway at training and at games, so it wasn’t like I’d sort of been there doing nothing and just standing on the outside.
Now, our focus – over the remaining games – is securing a top six berth.
I’m confident we can do that and make Newcastle proud.
FOOTNOTE: Ryan Campbell penned this column a fortnight ago. Since then, the Jets have booked a semi-final spot.
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