Foot, who notched up his 100^th game with the Cobras in 2017, takes the reins from Peter Maytom who has moved across to a role on the committee.

It is the 27-year-old Foot’s first coaching commitment but he said knowing Maytom was still around the club and ready to help with advice had swayed him into taking on the role.

“I’m looking for to what is a new challenge really,” he said “It would have been a little bit more daunting if I didn’t have Pete’s support.

“The club is going in a good direction with the way it’s been run, the board and Pete staying on with the club and still being involved with it.

“Some really good people have become involved in running the club and it’s in the best position it’s been in. 

“Having those people there and knowing the club is stable it makes it a lot easier to put your name forward to take on the coaching position.

“Pete has done a great job with the club, without his help it wouldn’t be where it is now and I think having him around gives everyone confidence going forward in their roles.”

Maytom said he was confident Foot would make a very good coach.

“He has a great rapport with the players, he is a very good communicator and will lead from the front on the field,” he said.

“He has been a very important and loyal player for Clarence Town and it’s great to see his future secured with us.”

Foot said the majority of last year’s squad had indicated they would be returning and several new recruits were in the pipeline to start training in late January.

“We will get a few more players. A fewer younger players are coming into the team and a few more experienced players have shown interest.

“The majority of the players are coming back and some are bringing mates.”

Foot has played almost his entire all-age career at the Cobras, missing only the 2016 season when the club did not field a team after winning a premiership in 2015.

“I really enjoyed my time at Dungog and learned a lot from the coach Nathan Ward. But the heart was always with Clarence Town.”