Victory appoints Gareth Naven as NPL/NYL Head Coach

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Melbourne Victory has appointed former Perth Glory captain and assistant coach Gareth Naven as its new NPL/NYL Head Coach.

Naven will take charge, with the ongoing support of Vaughan Coveny as Development Coach, of the club’s PlayStation 4 NPL Victoria teams, as well as its Foxtel National Youth League squad.

“This is a crucial appointment for the club, and we are thrilled to have secured the services of a coach with Gareth’s pedigree,” said Victory Head Coach Kevin Muscat.

“Having played and coached in Australia for 20 years, Gareth has a wealth of experience developing young talent, as well as working with established players at the highest level in the country.

“We look forward to welcoming him to Melbourne Victory and we’re excited about what he has to offer.”

English-born Naven made his name as a player in Australia with Perth Glory in the National Soccer League from 1996-2002.

He was the club’s inaugural captain and played 143 games before finishing his career at Perth Soccer Club in 2003.

He immediately began his coaching career in 2004, taking up a number of positions in Western Australia before being appointed Glory’s youth coach in 2008.

Naven joined Glory’s senior coaching ranks in 2013 as an assistant to Alistair Edwards.

In September last year, he returned to Perth Soccer Club and began the current campaign as its head coach.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join Melbourne Victory and I look forward to complimenting their youth program,” Naven said.

“I have a passion for working with young players and helping them develop, and I can’t wait to work with the exciting talent at Victory.

“I would like to thank Perth Soccer Club for allowing me to take this chance to further my coaching career.”