Mark Rudan has officially been announced as the first coach of the A-League’s newest club Western United.
After months of speculation linking him to the role, the former Wellington Phoenix manager was unveiled this morning and will join on a three-year deal.
Starting his managerial career at Sydney United in NPL NSW, the 43-year-old had a remarkable season at the Phoenix where he guided them to a first finals appearance in four years and winning many admirers.
Among the admirers were the new expansion outfit from the West of Melbourne with Rudan describing the chance to coach the A-League’s newest team as one he ‘couldn’t pass up’.
“To have a blank piece of paper to create what you want … there’s going to be some bumps on the way but I’m more than confident we’ll see those through,” he said.
Rudan will be joined by esteemed football manager John Anastasiadis as his right-hand man and former Central Coast stalwart John Hutchinson.
The club has already begun putting a squad together for next season, which includes Filip Kurto who played under Rudan at the Phoenix.
Among the new signings include current and former Socceroos in Josh Risdon and Scott Mcdonald along with former Greek international Panagiotis Kone and former Ajax youth-player Sebastian Pasquali.
