Tara Murray
Former Australian soccer star John Aloisi is the new coach of Western United.
United announced last week that Aloisi had been appointed for the next two seasons, replacing inaugural coach Mark Rudan.
Western United chairman Jason Sourasis said they were thrilled with the appointment.
“Throughout the recruitment process, John stood out as someone who reflects the values of Western United,“ he said.
“His desire to be successful and to create a high performing sporting environment was impressive.
“This appointment complements our goal of achieving sustainable success.
“John will build on the foundation already set by our hard-working football department and leadership team.”
Aloisi had a successful playing career which saw him play 55 games for the Socceroos, scoring 27 goals including the goal that sealed Australia’s spot in the 2006 World Cup.
He then moved into coaching.
He coached Melbourne Heart for two seasons and was sacked during the second season after failing to win a game in the first 17 games of the season.
In 2015 he was appointed coach of Brisbane Roar. In his first two seasons at the club he took them to finals.
In 2018, he resigned after the club had a poor start to the season, with just one win.
Aloisi said Western United was still in a development stage, which was an exciting thing to be a part of. He said it was an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.
“I’m grateful to be given this opportunity as head coach of Western United,” he said.
“The reason why I took it [the job], the club is very ambitious and I could see that and so am I. We both want success, I want to be part of a successful club and be part of something that is very young.
“In this role, I’m privileged not only to coach, but to be part of building a club and a football future for the people of the west.
“I look forward to meeting the Western United family soon.”
Aloisi, who is currently in hotel quarantine, said he was working hard from his hotel room to prepare for the season. He said he wanted to build on the foundations that have already been set.
Western United will start pre-season training this week.
“I’m excited to be part of your football club,” Aloisi said.
“We are very ambitious and we want to win and want to be successful and we want to be part of the community and that’s important for us.
“We want to keep on building in the community, there’s a lot of exciting things coming up.
“I’m working hard from my hotel room and making sure we get all the things in place in terms of signing players, in terms of our pre-season, because pre-season is probably the most important part of the season.
“As soon as I get out I’ll be heading down to Melbourne and start training.”
