11 Jan Western Melbourne make first coaching appointment

New A-League licence Western Melbourne have secured the services of highly-credentialed NPL coach John Anastasiadis in an assistant coaching role for the 2019/2020 season.

Anastasiadis has enjoyed a successful stint with Victorian NPL club Bentleigh Greens, leading them to two championship triumphs in 2015 and 2017 as well as guiding the Greens to a shock Semi-Final appearance in the 2015 FFA Cup.

Western Melbourne Group’s Football Director and former Socceroo, Steve Horvat, lauded the appointment of the 50-year-old, saying his wealth of experience will be a welcome addition to the new A-League club.

“John knows Victorian football through and through, has been an advocate for the NPL and has proved himself to be a hugely successful coach at NPL level and in the FFA Cup,” Horvat told the club’s official website.

“This signing again shows our commitment to Victorian football and building a bridge between the NPL and Hyundai A-League. There are many great Australian coaches at the NPL level such as John and we’re delighted he joins us as an assistant coach.”

“With John, we’ll be able to tap into his vast knowledge of the game in this state and his huge passion for football. His ethos and track record fits with what we’re building in the West.”

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Anastasiadis is looking forward to the challenge of joining an A-League club and passing on his in-depth knowledge to the newly assembled squad.

“I’ve done the hard yards in the NPL and have been successful through hard work. I’m now grateful to Western Melbourne Group that I now have an opportunity to further my career at such an ambitious club on the national stage,” Anastasiadis said.

“I’m Victorian through and through, always give 100% and want desperately to help make this club a success for the community of the West.

“And with our own stadium in Tarneit to be built and funded privately, the club truly represents the region.”

Western Melbourne will enter the A-League in October this year after being one of two successful bids to be granted a licence by the FFA.