Simmons has spent the last four years as A grade coach for Langhorne Creek, and the three years prior to that coaching the South Adelaide under 17 side.

After retiring from Victor Harbor Football Club with 299 games under his belt, Simmons says he is looking forward to returning to a club that holds so much history to him on a personal level.

“I think it doesn’t matter who you are, to have the opportunity to coach at the club you played your footy at is an honour,” Simmons said.

“I am thrilled club president Tom Bailey and the football director Grant Levy have the confidence in me to take the club forward in 2010.”

Simmons said initially it was a hard decision to make to commit to another season.

“After seven years of coaching I was just looking forward to being a dad and just watching my two sons play under Luke Ellis, however now I am coaching!”

And when asked about how his two sons felt about his appointment, Simmons is coy, “you will have to ask them how they feel about it.”

Simmons says he is confident about the future of the club.

“Over the last few years the club has grown considerably and Luke Ellis did a great job getting the team to the finals for the first time in nine years and I would think it would be a backwards step if the club isn’t playing finals in 2010.”

Simmons says he sees the strengths of the the club as being their administration and junior development programs.

“They are one of the best in the league in that department, I know from being involved with Langhorne Creek for the last four years that the way the club is run is very highly respected.”

Simmons says when it comes to the first clash between the Hawks and the Kangaroos next season, there will be no hard feelings between the clubs.

“There will be no bitterness, I parted with the Creek on very amicable terms. It’s a club that I will have an affinity with for the rest of my life and I have made many good friends there and I look forward to our first encounter.”