Central Football are delighted to announce that Eric Barbier has been appointed to the Operations Manager Role – Gisborne.

Born and raised in Auxerre, France, Eric is a passionate football man and will be known to a number of people in the Gisborne football community having been involved over the past 10 years in in the game in a number of volunteer capacities including involvement in Eastland Junior Football, Secondary School football and through the Central Football run Federation Talent Centre (FTC) program. Through this involvement Eric has a good sound knowledge of the game in Gisborne and a strong desire to build on the work that Neil Aitkenhead has done over the past two years while in the role. Up until a year or so ago, Eric ran a successful Motel business in Gisborne and so has a deep understanding of the service industry along with good business experience.

Central Football Chief Operations Manager Donald Piper said he was thrilled with the appointment of Eric. Piper went on to say, “we were lucky to have a number of very strong applicants for this role but what stood out with Eric was both his understanding of the football environment in Gisborne, across all aspects of the game, and in particular his clear and well thought out ideas around how we can develop it further. He is aware that there are limitations and challenges but strongly believes that these can be overcome”.

Eric starts in the role on Monday 4 March 2019 with a couple of days induction in Napier before he settles into the role back in Gisborne. Club administrators will have their chance to meet Eric when, alongside Donald Piper, he leads the senior club meeting, details of which will be confirmed in the next week or so.

I am sure you will all join in congratulating Eric on his appointment.