Havelock North Wanderers were crowned Lotto Federation League Champions in Round 17
after their 2-1 away win against Levin AFC (pre Covid-19 lockdown). Wanderers now turn their focus to the upcoming play-off games in the hopes of securing a Central League spot for 2022.

We caught up with Head Coach Chris Greatholder who was at the helm in 2019 and is now
looking forward to another shot at returning Wanderers to the Central League.

Firstly, Congratulations on a great campaign and securing the League title.
Wrapping up the league in Round 17 must have been a good feeling knowing it wasn’t going to come down to
the last game.

Q: How did you go about keeping the squad focused going into the last match against
Gisborne Thistle?

A: We approach each game with video analysis, so no change there. We wanted to finish
strongly. We knew there would be a big crowd and we wanted to make sure we put on a
decent performance before lifting the trophy.

Q: What were your goals heading into the 2021 season?

A: Ultimately, promotion. But we had to assess the group initially and see what we had and
what we needed to move the group forward. It is a very similar group to last season's group
which finished 16 points off the top two in 2020, so I wasn’t sure what we were capable of
in the early stages of being together. Very pleased that we’ve become a really strong group
and the boys have gone through the gears as the season progressed.

Q: As a coach what was your high of the season?

A: Difficult question, there have been some great moments and memories! One thing that is
really important to me is to give an opportunity to younger players and because of our
injury crisis we have had to go deep into the squad to get our success. To finish the last few
games with two 15 yr olds and seven schoolboys in total and have them win Championship
medals is pretty cool. The senior players have played a huge part in creating an environment
that the young lads have thrived in. Another thing I’m proud of.

Q: HNW narrowly lost the play off in 2019 by one goal (6-5 Aggregate) – What will be the
team mindset going into these match’s and will you prepare any differently to 2019?

A: Yeah, that was a tough day but it has given us experience. We will approach these games
aggressively. I think we are trying to win this match for the community and for Hawkes Bay,
rather than just for us as a playing group. It’s bigger than us and I’m hoping that will help the
boys get over the line.

Q: What changes have there been in the squad personnel from two seasons ago?

A: When I left in 2019 to go back to coach HBU, most of the group split. We had seven that
went to University and Dion Adams has worked hard to build a core group again. We were a
very young group then, we have a more balanced squad now.

Q: Having coached at National League Level with Hawke’s Bay United, what would it mean
to you personally to take Havelock to Tier 1 of the newly formed National League System?

A: It would be special. I think we need to give some aspiration and a further pathway to others
in Hawkes Bay and offer an opportunity to play in the top level of football in NZ. Napier City
Rovers do a fantastic job in flying our region's flag, I’d love to be able to help another group
and another Club the chance to experience this. The Hawkes Bay community have been
really supportive of us so far, it would be a great reward for the region.

Once again Congratulations to Chris, the team and HNW on being crowned Lotto Central
Federation League Champions for 2021.

On behalf of Central Football we wish Havelock all the best for the upcoming Central League
play-offs which take place on the weekends of 4/5 and 11/12 September 2021(Pending Covid-19 restrictions).

Article added: Thursday 26 August 2021