Ringwood City SC
VFF, Provision League, Division 3, South-East Region
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1980 - 1989
Finishing second to a rampant Doveton side in the league in 1980 turned out to be a
blessing in disguise for Ringwood City. The recently revamped Victorian Soccer Federation had
changed the promotion/relegation system to two up and two down, and Ringwood took advantage
to be promoted back into the State League. Concerned once again about returning to the State
League with a substandard squad, more British recruits were signed and despite shaky early form the
club finished sixth in 1981.
A team from the early 80's. Back Row: Mr J.van Hoboken, T.Sullivan, G.Chot,
T.Hawke, D.Pasman, P.Cork, G.van Leukerden, I.Greener, S.de Bruijkere. Front Row:
B.Thom, D.Tattersalls, A.Anderson, R.Verniers, G.Groenewald, J.O'Callaghan.
The extension of the season to twenty-six games in 1982 was always going to suit the
more powerful clubs with their larger squads, and Ringwood struggled to compete, finishing
thirteenth. Fortunately Sunshine and George Cross had just merged, with the result that Ringwood
was able to avoid what had been certain relegation. 1982 also signalled the end of the van Hoboken
era, whose decision to relinquish the reigns was brought about after suffering huge financial
losses. In 1983 Bill Wannett became the first ever democratically elected club president, and
he set about making sure there were no skeletons left in the closet. Sjel de Bruyckere was
replaced as coach by veteran goalkeeper Nick van Egmond, although after more poor results he was
in turn replaced by Rudi van Altena. The club again finished thirteenth, this time only avoiding
relegation because four Victorian clubs won admission into the National League.
1984 saw more players recruited and tested. But the new signings were unable to save van Altena
who lost his position as coach and was replaced by former player Cor Teeuw, who exceeded
expectations by guiding Ringwood to a final placing of seventh. The hard work of ’84 counted
for nothing as ’85 began, with several key players moving on to other clubs. Cor Teeuw’s reign
as coach ended and he was replaced by highly regarded coach Bill Curran. The club finished
eleventh but, despite avoiding relegation, Curran was demoted to reserves coach for the 1986 season
and the job of head coach was given to Kees Storm. Storm failed to adapt to his dual player/coach
role, and within a month Ringwood was in dire trouble, Storm being replaced by former Croydon
coach Tom Kelly. More key players left the club, and the combination of a substandard squad,
the inability to score goals and a similar inability to avoid conceding them left Ringwood headed
for the Metropolitan League at the end of the season.
Another Ringwood team from the 80's: Note 2007 coach Kenny Stewart second from right
in the front row. He looked younger then. And possibly more relaxed.
With a return to the State league in mind, a rebuilding program was put into place. With
several key players leaving, the club recruited several players of experience (like the injury
prone duo Andy Hughes and Brian Keenan) and lured back former players Kenny Stewart and Rick
Janssen. Although the season began impressively, a brief but disastrous spell cost Kelly his
position, to be replaced by the ever-returning Sjel de Bruyckere. This signalled a turnaround
that led Ringwood City to second place in the league, and ultimately promotion to the State League.
In an effort to change their fluctuating fortunes, Ringwood went to great expense to secure Robbie
Nelson as first team coach in 1988. Nelson set about rapidly reforming his squad, with several
players released mid-season, and eight new players recruited from Britain. But his intended magic
formula simply did not eventuate, and Ringwood finished a disappointing seventh. Nelson was
relieved of his post as Gary Groenewald took over in a caretaker capacity.
Hans Peterson took the coaching reins at Ringwood in 1989 on the back of a big reputation as a
junior coach, and although the club struggled early results began to improve and it looked as
though Ringwood were indeed a title contender. In the end the club had to be content with seventh,
finishing only seven points behind champions Heidelberg.
Ringwood City entered the 1989 State League season as firm championship material, but the
pre-season loss of influential forward John Nyholt to nearby rival Mooroolbark proved to be a huge
blow. Also leaving was keeper Rick Janssen, though several English imports were brought in to improve
the squad. The team struggled to perform consistently, perhaps due to numerous injuries and
suspensions, but still retained its ability to knock over the top sides.
In the end though the club finished the season in twelfth spot.