The ink had barely dried on his new contract before an eager John Markovski was holding his first Sydenham Park training session.
Markovski had no time to waste, signing with the Reds on Thursday, holding a training session that night and barking instructions from the sidelines in a 1-0 loss to Geelong in Football Federation Victoria men’s state league 1 at Keilor Lodge Reserve on Saturday.
Having previously coached seniors at Altona Magic, Preston Lions, Fawkner Blues and Sunshine George Cross, the 47-year-old knew the importance of hitting the ground running, particularly having taken over the Reds eight games in and with their season at the crossroads.
“I’m all fired up, I’m pretty sure the club is and I’m sure 100 per cent that the boys are,” Markovski said in the lead-up to his first game.
“There’s 14 games to go, so we’ll take it week by week and hopefully we can get on a bit of a roll. I know, as a coach, if you don’t get results, you could be on the road, so it is a challenge – but I’m looking forward to it.”
Markovski is no stranger to Sydenham Park, having finished his illustrious playing career with the club.
Capped 19 times for the Socceroos, the former striker was one of the biggest names in Victorian soccer, carving out a memorable career in both the Victorian Premier League and the National Soccer League.
Markovski has plenty of experience as a head coach, but his last senior role was back in 2012 with Altona Magic. More recently, he worked as a youth coach with Heidelberg United.
“You never lose your knack of coaching,” Markovski said. “Whether it’s a junior side or a senior team, you’re always thinking.”
Markovski, who commutes from Templestowe, is thrilled about making his return to senior coaching with Sydenham Park.
The Reds are celebrating their 30th anniversary this season and he is excited to be a part of it.
“I’m rapt to be back,” he said. “It’s a great club with a lot of great people running it, so I’m looking forward to it.”
While the members enjoy the festivities surrounding the club’s anniversary, Markovski knows he has a job to do.
Markovski will make it clear to the players in no uncertain terms what is required of them for the remainder of the season.
“I hate losing,” he said. “My expectations are to win every game. I want the club to succeed.”
