GAWLER Central has reappointed A-grade coach Matt Whelan for the 2020 Barossa, Light & Gawler football season.

Whelan was appointed coach after his predecessor Damien Herzick left the role following the club’s 2016 grand final loss to Barossa District.

However, there has been little success since, with the Tigers finishing in eighth position in each of the past three seasons.

Gawler Central football president Tom Lane said the decision to reappoint Whelan was a lengthy process.

“We had good discussions about it, we didn’t do it straight away, we went through the processes,” he said.

“We felt the path he’s taken is one we’ve asked him to take and he’s stuck to that.

“He’s got really good values, his character and coaching is unquestionable.

“It was really always going to happen, but we didn’t announce anything until we sussed our options.”

Despite the Tigers winning just three games in 2019, eight of their 13 losses were under 24 points.

“We beat Freeling and South comfortably, same with Kapunda,” Mr Lane said.

“It’s just about getting everyone on the park.

“We’re happy with him (Whelan) and what he brings.

“We canvassed our playing group about their thoughts, there was wholehearted support for his coaching, nothing negative.

“Off-field we’re strong, we just need to translate that onto on-field with a bit of luck.”

Mr Lane also said the Tigers will be digging deep for recruits, but confirmed the departure of a former premiership player.

“We’re already talking to quite a number of players, we haven’t lost anyone bar Corey Solly,” he said.

“It was a mutual agreement we part ways, other than that we have everyone signed on.

“We do believe our local group over the past three years is good enough, it just needs to be topped up with the elite talent.”