Dear Victory family,
Today, I would like our members to be the first to know that we have appointed Tony Popovic to be the A-League Head Coach of Melbourne Victory commencing in July. Tony has signed for the next three seasons.
Tony brings to our club a wealth of coaching experience and a record of success. He has a deep understanding and knowledge of the A-League and the nuances associated with the competition. He was the standout candidate with two A-League Premierships and a historic AFC Champions League title.
Tony has a strong and clear leadership approach and is driven to deliver the next period of success for the Club.
As is always the way at Melbourne Victory, Tony as Head Coach will be responsible for the entire A-League program overseeing support staff, recruitment, list management and our A-League playing style and performance.
The Board is committed to providing Tony with the resources he requires, both on and off the field, to drive success at Melbourne Victory. He will be taking a keen interest in our current roster, over the next six weeks, and will be looking at what he needs to build a successful team going forward.
Tony is equally looking forward to being part of the Club and getting to know the staff, members, fans and partners. In our discussions in the lead up to his appointment Tony made it clear that he had “watched the Club from afar as a player and a coach and that Melbourne Victory is a proud club renowned throughout the A-League for its strong culture and its passionate member and fan base.”
On behalf of everyone at the Club, we welcome Tony and look forward to his arrival soon.
With regard to the remainder of this season, it is going to be a challenge given the circumstances we are in and with a depleted squad. However, the Club’s expectation is that all our current players show intent and a determined fighting spirit.
Interim Head Coach, Steve Kean, has made it very clear that all players are playing for their futures. It is also an opportunity for our younger squad members to demonstrate their ability and character at the highest level.
Obviously, it has been an incredibly tough week with Grant Brebner and the Club parting ways over the weekend. Grant is a champion of Melbourne Victory and will always be a part of this club. We will continue to support him in whatever his next steps are.
We are all extremely disappointed with our current position but Tony’s appointment is a significant step in building towards our Club’s next phase of success.
As a club, we are determined to do what is required to support Tony and get back to where we should be.
We will continue to keep you, our members, updated as developments occur.
Anthony Di Pietro
Chairman
Melbourne Victory Football Club
