Peel Thunder Football Club

Thursday 12th November 2009 – Published by Karena Cox, Courtesy of the Mandurah Mail

South Fremantle games record holder Marty Atkins was close to signing with Peel Thunder in 1997 – the club's inaugural year. Twelve years and 266 WA Football League Games later Atkins has joined Peel as the new Football Manager and League Assistant Coach.

Originally the position was offered to Darryl Wilson from Bendigo last month but he has since returned to Victoria for family reasons. Peel Chief Executive Russell Clark said the club had talked to Atkins, a former police officer, about coming to the club before Wilson was awarded the position.

"When the opportunity came up again we approached him and he indicated 'yes' straight away," Clark said. Atkins, a former South Fremantle and WA State captain, officially started in the full-time role last Wednesday. Clark said he would be a huge addition to the club. "He is highly respected in the WAFL and comes with an outstanding record," he said.

"Not only does Marty have great football experience but he has communication skills and he will bring a lot of discipline to the club to help develop our young players. "It's fantastic for the club and we're very happy."

Atkins said he accepted the position because he wanted a new challenge.

"It would have been easy to take on a role at South Fremantle – they are in a strong position so there is obviously no need for me there," the 40-year-old said. "Peel offered me a good opportunity to get back involved in the WAFL... it will be an opportunity to test myself. There are good people here and I want to help build Peel into a strong club."

After retiring from WAFL Atkins worked as a police officer in Kwinana for four years and continued to play football – first in the South West Football League for Donnybrook then Wesley/Curtain in the A grade WA Amateurs as a coach/player.

Atkins acknowledged the club having limited facilities next season while the new stadium was being constructed was going to be a challenge. "It's going to be a challenge, there is no denying that but we've got to work with those challenges rather than against them," he said. "When Peel first approached me in 1997 I knew Peel would be something in the future and I hope I can be a part of that – helping the club get off the ground. I want to make sure that does happen."