Tara Murray
Whittlesea United wanted experience as the club searched for a new coach for next year’s FV state league 1 north-west season.
After finally getting a proper crack in state league 1 after the last couple of COVID-19 affected years, Whittlesea is keen to move up the ladder next year.
The club announced that Andy Vlahos would take over the coaching role.
Whittlesea’s Nabi Tuna said the club was excited by what Vlahos would bring to the club.
“We’re very happy,” he said. “We interviewed quite a few coaches and he stood out.
“He has played at a high level having played with South Melbourne in what was the equivalent to the A-League.
“He coached Hume City to two semi finals in the Victorian Premier League. He has coached Fitzroy City and coached against us.”
Tuna said having a couple of less experienced coaches the last couple of years, they wanted to bring in someone with a bit more experience.
He said while they had a young group, the core had now been together for at least 12 months.
“Andy knows what it takes at this level as he has previously coached at this and higher,” he said.
“We’ve got a good age bracket and we will have a competitive side with a couple of additions and Andy’s brain.
“We’ll look to get three or four players and it will make a huge difference on and off the field. It’s important to build that culture off field and Andy is a big part of that.”
Whittlesea finished this year in 10th spot with five wins and five draws among their 22 results.
Tuna said they are hoping next year they will have some better results.
“We’ve had four seasons in state league 1 and this was our first proper full season. We learned a lot,” he said.
“We know what it takes to compete with the big boys. Next season we’re hoping to be fighting for promotion in the last few weeks of the season.”
