HappilyManly
Journey Man
Geoff Toovey says ‘thank you’ in passionate letter to Manly fans
Coach Geoff Toovey has written a letter to Sea Eagles fans and the northern beaches community. Picture: Toby Zerna.
GEOFF Toovey has delivered a passionate message to all Manly fans and the northern beaches community as he departs from his position as first grade coach.
Despite the difficulties he has been through, Toovey took the time out to pen a thank you letter for all the support he has received over the past 28 years as both a player and coach at the Sea Eagles where he has become a club icon.
To all the Manly fans and the Northern Beaches community,
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support, particularly over the last four years where I have been fortunate enough to coach the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Rugby League team but also for the years of support when I was playing at the club.
From my debut in 1988 to my final game last Sunday, I am continually amazed by the spirit shown from the people on the Northern Beaches and beyond. For those that turn out every week with their personalised signs, those who can only cheer from their lounge rooms, and those who listen to the radio or read about the outcome in the paper the next day, you are the reason why the game and I are so privileged.
Over the past year particularly, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support not only for myself but for the cultural significance the Manly team embellishes along the Peninsula. People who I have not had the pleasure of knowing personally have approached me on the street and commented on social media, wishing me all the best in my career beyond Manly. I have been taken aback by their gestures and realised it is I who should be thanking them.
Sport plays such a significant role in bonding our community together, whether that be rugby league, union, football, netball, amateur, professional or purely as a spectator. Sport has given me so much over many decades, no matter if it was playing for the Belrose Eagles or coaching the local primary school team, it has provided me with a sense of identity and belonging in this great area.
Whilst I am unsure of what the future will bring for myself, I know I have been blessed to not only have been brought up in this area but to have a great sense of friendship, responsibility and commitment to the people within it.
Thank you for everything.
“I wanted to convey my feelings about how the peninsula has looked after me for many, many years,” Toovey explained.
GEOFF TOOVEY IS GOING OUT ON THE FRONT FOOT
“I appreciate the support not only from the rugby league fans but also the general community who have got behind me.’
Toovey said that has all him feel like he is a part of the northern beaches culture.
“I just think it shows that generally people around here look after each other and make sure that everyone is OK,” he said.
Toovey, who has been replaced as head coach by Trent Barrett, now has to adjust to the unfamiliar feeling of rugby league not being front and centre- at least in the short term.
“I suppose I feel l lost, the routine has gone out of my life at the moment,” Toovey said.
“I am used to getting up and going to work at 7.30 and getting stuck into it.
“But I’m sure something will come along shortly.”
- JON GEDDES
- MANLY DAILY
- SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 4:26PM
Coach Geoff Toovey has written a letter to Sea Eagles fans and the northern beaches community. Picture: Toby Zerna.
GEOFF Toovey has delivered a passionate message to all Manly fans and the northern beaches community as he departs from his position as first grade coach.
Despite the difficulties he has been through, Toovey took the time out to pen a thank you letter for all the support he has received over the past 28 years as both a player and coach at the Sea Eagles where he has become a club icon.
To all the Manly fans and the Northern Beaches community,
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support, particularly over the last four years where I have been fortunate enough to coach the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Rugby League team but also for the years of support when I was playing at the club.
From my debut in 1988 to my final game last Sunday, I am continually amazed by the spirit shown from the people on the Northern Beaches and beyond. For those that turn out every week with their personalised signs, those who can only cheer from their lounge rooms, and those who listen to the radio or read about the outcome in the paper the next day, you are the reason why the game and I are so privileged.
Over the past year particularly, I’ve been overwhelmed by the support not only for myself but for the cultural significance the Manly team embellishes along the Peninsula. People who I have not had the pleasure of knowing personally have approached me on the street and commented on social media, wishing me all the best in my career beyond Manly. I have been taken aback by their gestures and realised it is I who should be thanking them.
Sport plays such a significant role in bonding our community together, whether that be rugby league, union, football, netball, amateur, professional or purely as a spectator. Sport has given me so much over many decades, no matter if it was playing for the Belrose Eagles or coaching the local primary school team, it has provided me with a sense of identity and belonging in this great area.
Whilst I am unsure of what the future will bring for myself, I know I have been blessed to not only have been brought up in this area but to have a great sense of friendship, responsibility and commitment to the people within it.
Thank you for everything.
“I wanted to convey my feelings about how the peninsula has looked after me for many, many years,” Toovey explained.
GEOFF TOOVEY IS GOING OUT ON THE FRONT FOOT
“I appreciate the support not only from the rugby league fans but also the general community who have got behind me.’
Toovey said that has all him feel like he is a part of the northern beaches culture.
“I just think it shows that generally people around here look after each other and make sure that everyone is OK,” he said.
Toovey, who has been replaced as head coach by Trent Barrett, now has to adjust to the unfamiliar feeling of rugby league not being front and centre- at least in the short term.
“I suppose I feel l lost, the routine has gone out of my life at the moment,” Toovey said.
“I am used to getting up and going to work at 7.30 and getting stuck into it.
“But I’m sure something will come along shortly.”