MWFA profile: Manly Vale's Steven Black

steve black

Not many people in football circles on the peninsula give Manly Vale any hope of avoiding relegation from the MWFA Premier League this season.

The men from David Thomas Reserve have plenty of work to do – in fact, they haven’t won or drawn a game after nine attempts.

Fellow strugglers Narrabeen compounded Vale’s misery after winning 4-3 against Dee Why.

It sees the Beanies now seven points ahead of Manly Vale.

Changes have been inevitable – Tony Bruzzano recently stepped down as men’s head coach, replaced by Suraj Pillai.

He will be assisted by club stalwart Steven Black, who insists all is not lost yet.

“As far as I’m concerned, anything can happen – we have nine games left,” he said.

“We were a little unlucky against Brookvale last weekend (2-1 loss), it was an encouraging start with Suraj at the helm.

“The good thing is we have been in this position before a few years ago- and managed to avoid the drop.

“We will be looking for history to repeat itself.”

Pillai is a youth coach at Manly United and comes highly regarded.

He will lean on Black heavily which suits the veteran just fine – he has been with the club for what seems an eternity.

“I’m coaching our Reserve Grade squad, but I’m more than happy to also work with Suraj,” Black said.

“No one expects us to stay up which is great, each week we can just go out and play our game.”

Manly Vale’s quest to avoid back to back wooden spoons continues on Saturday when they host high flying Mosman from 3pm.

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