From www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
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THE Casey Scorpions have belatedly installed a senior coach, locking in former Carlton forward Rohan Welsh.
Welsh, 42, was appointed last night, agreeing to a part-time role.
Ironically, the club interviewed the 2006 Oakleigh Chargers premiership coach four years ago, but he was unable to commit to what was then a full-time job.
"It's something I've always wanted to do, get into the VFL system," Welsh said this morning.
"Having had 12 years at TAC Cup level, I saw it as the next progression for me.
"Because I've got my own business (signwriting) it was going to be hard because most of the VFL jobs are full-time these days. I was stuck in between following my passion, which is footy, and looking after my business.
"So being part-time at Casey is a good fit."
Welsh met Melbourne coach Mark Neeld yesterday afternoon and the Casey players at training last night.
Welsh is unconcerned about coming in halfway through the pre-season, saying assistant coach Steve O'Brien and the strength and conditioning staff had been doing a "great job" of running training.
He said he would have to quickly come to terms with Melbourne's game style.
"That's going to be a challenge, getting my head around that and implementing it so that the (Melbourne) players are comfortable when they come and play for Casey."
Welsh played in Dandenong's 1991 premiership and went on to 42 senior games with the Blues.
Turning his hand to coaching, he was an assistant with the Calder Cannons from 2002-04 and head coach of the Oakleigh Chargers from 2005-08, highlighted by the 2006 flag.
For the past four years he has coached the Vic Metro Under 18 team at the national championships.
Casey board of management member Michael Jeffs said the club was thrilled to land Welsh, whom he described as a "proven development coach".
"He's very strong in improving young players, which is what we're all about," Jeffs said.
"Couldn't be happier with how it's worked out."
Welsh replaces former Melbourne star Brett Lovett, who steered Casey to the minor premiership this year but stood down for family reasons
