From the Border Mail
FOR new Rutherglen coach Darren Hatton the club is bigger than the individual. Though not a reluctant coach, Hatton is not yet entirely comfortable taking the job left vacant by Gil Ould. “Coaching Rutherglen isn’t probably something that I’ve aspired to do; it’s more about circumstances this year,” Hatton said.
“The way it panned out we did advertise as a club for a senior playing coach and we were hoping that we could attract someone who could bring some experience.”
The door wasn’t exactly kicked down with applicants, meaning the 200-game veteran had to step into the role.
But Hatton has surrounded himself with a reliable group of senior players led by former Howlong star Matt Farrugia.
“There’s a group of guys I’m working with and between that group and myself we’re bringing it all together,” Hatton said.
“Matt Farrugia is helping with the playing side of things as are senior players Ian Kay, Nathan Thomas and Lindsay Seymour.”
After a ninth-placed finish last season, the Cats have started well this year.
Hatton and the club have rebuilt depth and were repaid with a 55-point first-round win against Wahgunyah.
“There’s definitely a good feel about the place this year,” he said.
“We’ve had a good pre-season and our performance at the weekend against Wahgunyah was a good way to kick off the season.
