NEWLY-appointed Dubbo Blue Jays coach Simon Allen feels his side has what it takes to be a women’s Premier League Hockey (PLH) force in 2016.

The Blue Jays’ development reached a peak last year when they finished in the top five and qualified for the finals under coach Craig Johnston.

Allen, who has been a member of Dubbo Hockey for a number of years and last year played for the Dubbo Lions, was full of praise for Johnston’s work in the top job, but said his aim would be to make the side a premiership contender.

“The potential the girls had under Craig is something that really excites me,” he said.

“Making the finals was a big step and it showed we’ve got what it takes to go all the way. I really see the girls giving the competition a scare and they’ve got what it takes to be a top two or three team.”

Allen impressed last year when he coached a NSW under 15 boys’ side, which took out the state championship at Grafton.

His ability to get the best from his charges was also evident as five of the players in his side received call-ups to the NSW squad for 2016.

“I got commended a bit for that so I wanted to take on the next challenge,” he said.

Allen has already started pre-season fitness sessions with the squad and has been impressed with the numbers attending already.

One thing that will be affected by his involvement with the Blue Jays is his availability with the Lions but he said he and captain Matt Waters had come to an understanding where he would play home PLH matches for the Lions.

A lesser playing role means Allen will dedicate the majority of his time to coaching and he already has plans in place for how he wants his side to play.

“I’ve got some more modern ideas and I’d like to see that developed with the Blue Jays,” he said.

“My ideas will be a bit different to Craig but every coach is different and I think the girls will adapt to it and take it in their stride.”