Tara Murray
It’s a return home for new Altona Magic coach John Markovski.
The club announced that Markovski, who has coached and played at the club previously, would coach their National Premier League side next year.
The former Australian player said he was excited to return to the club.
“It is great,” he said. “ I’ve played there and grown up there.
“I still know a lot of people. It’s good to be back there.”
Markovski said even when he wasn’t involved at the Magic he was still keeping a keen interest in what was going on at Paisley Park.
He was most recently involved in the club in 2021. He has a long coaching history, having first coached back in 2001.
The first club he coached was the Magic.
“To be head coach again, I’m so happy,” he said. “There’s been plenty of phone calls from supporters, players and even agents.
“Hopefully I can take them to the next level and win the league.
“If we progress next year, hopefully we’ll make the top six and anything can happen from there.”
The Magic finished this year in 11th spot with eight wins. The side lacked consistency at times under Savvas Patikkis
.Markovski said he is committed to developing the solid base with the squad they already have and moving the club up the NPL ladder whilst also getting the community feel back at the club.
“There will be a few younger boys coming in and strengthening the side,” he said.
“Most of the current squad will stay on which will make life a bit easier.
“The group is pretty close which is great.”
Markovski said he would look to add some more pieces to the squad, saying it doesn’t matter whether someone is an older or younger player, but as long as they can play the role.
The club is set to start pre-season on November 7.
