By Lance Jenkinson
Steve Iosifidis will make his return to coaching with the Western Eagles in the Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 3.
Iosifidis will take on a head coaching position for the first time in three years after working as an assistant coach under Goran Lozanovski at Altona Magic in the National Premier League for the past two seasons.
“I think I just missed being in the captain’s seat,” Iosifidis said. “I’m really looking forward to it, I’m up for the challenge.”
Iosifidis had a decorated career as a player.
Most of his prime was spent with a star-studded South Melbourne in the National Soccer League, winning two titles and featuring in a FIFA Club World Cup.
The 45-year-old’s most recent head coaching gig was a successful one with Hoppers Crossing.
He took the Reds to a state league 3 title in 2015.
Iosifidis will return to that level to see if he can repeat the dose for the Western Eagles.
He is serious about bringing immediate joy to the Eagles fans.
“I know they’re a pretty ambitious club and they’re aiming for big things,” Iosifidis said.
“We’re on the same page when it comes to aiming for promotion.”
Iosifidis is impressed with the set-up at the Western Eagles.
He described the playing facilities as “decent” and is impressed with the social club rooms.
But all the bells and whistles are pointless if the players do not buy into Iosifidis’s two key pillars.
“For me, the non-negotiables are preparation and attitude,” Iosifidis said.
“They’re two things that have been instilled in me as a player and I carry that through as a coach.
“Your attitude has to be there from day dot and if it’s not, I’ll find someone who will tick that box.
“You can always work with someone with a great attitude, regardless of ability.
“I think preparation is big.
“I understand we’re playing in state 3, but to get ahead, we have to do those things the opposition isn’t.
“I can almost assure you the team is going to give 100 per cent week in, week out and that puts us in pretty good stead for promotion.”
Western Eagles will begin their preparations pre-Christmas, but will ramp up the intensity in January.
Iosifidis is currently in talks with prospective recruits, but is looking forward to working with the players already in the Eagles nest.
