Three-time St Kilda City premiership coach Richard Houston has returned to the Peanut Farm as the club’s senior coach for the 2017 season.
Houston, who made a comeback to senior coaching this year with St Pauls, is one of the most well-known figures in Southern League football due to his imposing coaching record.
His first stint as coach netted him four premierships and a grand final appearance in his five years at Parkmore (2006) and St Kilda City (2007-10).
Most recently, Houston took the injury-ravaged Dogs to a seventh place finish in 2016 – his only season at the Kennel.
Houston will have under his control a talented group of youngsters, many of which are graduates of the Saints' back-to-back Under 19 premiership sides of 2015-16, as the club aims to climb back up the ladder following a ninth-place finish in 2016.
Speaking to the Leader last week, Houston said he would look to lure experienced footballers to the Peanut Farm in order to complement the promising young talent in the senior team. And he has wasted no time in delivering on his promise, with the club recently announcing the signings of star forward Beau Runnalls (Phillip Island) and his brother Matt, a triple premiership player from Cora Lynn.
Doveton (SEFNL) utility Keith Dobson will also don the red, white and black in 2017.
Meanwhile, former St Kilda City player-turned-SFNL umpire Jason Hamilton also returns to the club as its Reserves Coach.
[caption id="attachment_13361" align="aligncenter" width="600"]
Richard Houston delivers St Kilda City the 2010 Division 1 premiership.[/caption]