Charlestown Azzurri is in Josh Rufo's blood. The 44-year-old played juniors for the club, made his first-grade debut as a 20-year-old, and his Italian heritage family has a long association with the Blues. Rufo was appointed head coach of the NPL squad for the remainder of the Northern NSW season on Thursday, taking over from Jim Pascoe, who stepped down to focus on his wife Angela's cancer battle. Azzurri had lost three consecutive matches, and Pascoe believed a new voice would lift the group. They currently sit in seventh place with 10 points after nine rounds, holding a game in hand.
Rufo's return to Azzurri
Rufo, previously head of football at Belmont Swansea working closely with coach Mick Stafford, described the opportunity as fantastic. "I played first grade for the club. My family is an Italian family and have a long relationship with the club," he said. "I wasn't expecting it, but once I sat down with Robbie Valentinis and listened to the plans they have for the club, the simple answer was yes. Jimmy has put together a good squad. He stepped back due to personal reasons. It's about looking at what we can add to it. I'm confident we can win some games and get success."
Rufo conducted his first training session on Thursday night ahead of the clash against Maitland at Cooks Square Park on Saturday at 2pm. Valentinis, Azzurri's head of football, noted the positive response from players. "We wanted a reaction from the players and we got that on Thursday night," he said. "In these type of situations, normally a coach has been sacked and there is a bit of hostility among the players and the club. This time, the coach has stood down. Josh will bring a fresh approach. He will keep it pretty simple to start and add his own print on it."
Squad and challenges
Azzurri boast a strong squad led by Reece Papas, Matt Cahill, Harrison Frendo, Pharrell Trainor, and Cooper Vimpani. Their main issue has been scoring goals, netting only 12 in eight matches. The NNSW NPL transfer window opens after round 12, and Valentinis confirmed there is "capacity" to bring in players. Rufo emphasised a step-by-step approach: "We will go one day at a time, one game at a time. If we can score some goals, that leads to winning games. Once we do that, confidence builds and hopefully we can achieve some of the targets set by the club."
Scott McCarter has departed as assistant coach, but Scott Smith will continue. "Scott is a club legend and will be hands on," Rufo said. After Maitland, Azzurri host Broadmeadow Magic to complete the first round of the season. Valentinis stated, "A club of our stature, we want to be in finals. It's a must."
Other round 10 fixtures
In other round 10 games on Saturday, Lambton Jaffas host Belswans at 2pm, Valentine face Newcastle Olympic at 4.30pm, and Cooks Hill welcome Adamstown to Fearnley Dawes Athletic Centre. On Sunday, Kahibah take on premiers Magic at Harold Knights Sports Complex at 1pm, and Edgeworth travel to Weston to face leaders the Bears at 3pm.
