Mick Bailey is at the head of the club as president after years of involvement with the Tigers.

Mick has been on the committee for more than eight years and is a well known identity in Wingham. The club was keen to have Mick in the role with his long association and contribution to the club.

With Mick’s new appointment brings new ideas and the hope to bring the Tigers back on track as a competitive team with a family atmosphere.

First grade coach Troy Atkins has had a prosperous time at the club as a coach with extensive knowledge and experience behind him. He is hoping to replicate last year’s success with the under 18s side winning the premiership

“It’s good to see the juniors come through. This year we have a young side,” Troy said.

The team is hoping to be a good, competitive side, but is in the rebuilding stages at the moment with some players moving away or retiring, he said.

Owner of the Australian Hotel Steve Powell looks forward to their role as the major sponsor of the Wingham Tigers and the opportunities it will bring to the hotel.

Steve sees the value in being associated with a team embedded in the community of Wingham and the patronage that the football club will offer the pub as a place to meet after games and presentations.

Steve has owned the pub since 1999, last sponsoring the Tigers in 2000. He’s pleased to be back on board providing a venue for players and their families, and wishes the team all the best for the season.

For Mick, the new sponsorship deal is taking the club back to its grass roots and he hopes the 2012 season will have Wingham Tigers back on track as a family football club.

The teams commenced training on Tuesday with the Country Championships scheduled to be played at the Wingham Sporting Complex in March.