The Western Sydney Wanderers have re-signed Tony Popovic on a new three-year deal.
It will ensure the club’s inaugural coach remains at the helm of the Wanderers until the 2017-18 A-League season.
The former Socceroos and Crystal Palace central defender has been at the club since its inception in 2012, managing the Wanderers to a maiden A-League premiership and two consecutive grand final appearances.
Popovic made history last year by leading the Western Sydney club to the Asian Champions League title, a feat previously never achieved before by an Australian coach. The Wanderers knocked off cashed-up, big name clubs Guangzhou Evergrande and Al Hilal to be crowned the best team in Asia.
The achievement led to Popovic being named the Asian Football Confederation coach of the year. His success garnered interest from a number of overseas clubs, among them English premier league side Crystal Palace and Croatian club Hajduk Split.
However, the Wanderers have had a forgettable 2014-15 A-League season, slumping to ninth place and narrowly avoiding the wooden spoon.
Popovic has vowed that the club’s fortunes will turn around for next season.
“Work for next season has already begun and our aim is to get back to the top where we belong,” he said at a press conference this afternoon.
“I am immensely proud of the achievements of this team at our club to date but have no interest in resting with past glories.
“This season we had some adversity and that can destroy you or make you stronger – everyone will see a stronger Wanderers next season.”
Western Sydney Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer had nothing but praise for Popovic.
“Tony Popovic had already brought this club a great deal of success, but we want more, a lot more,” Lederer said.
“Make no mistake. Tony Popovic is the only man for the job, he is an ideal fit for our culture and suits the ambitious plans we have for this club.”
The off-season has already begun for the Wanderers, with recruitment a priority following reports that Popovic will instigate a squad clear-out. Perth Glory goalkeeper Danny Vukovic and defender Scott Jamieson are among several players already linked with the club.
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