Tara Murray
Diogo Ferreira will head Western United’s National Premier League 2 side next season, with Anthony Frost stepping up to oversee the United academy program.
Ferreira will step up from his assistant role and take up his first head coaching position, with Frost to manage coaching and player development across the expanded academy.
Ferreira said he believed he was ready to step up into the head role. United will play in NPL2 after earning promotion this year from NPL3.
“I had a really good season with the club here last season, obviously getting promoted,” he said.
“I’ve been doing a lot of work in the past that has led me to this opportunity. I’m really excited.
“We’ve got a really good bunch of under-21s and under-23s coming through, and I can really see quite a few cracking into that senior environment shortly.”
The 33-year-old will be well supported on the side lines by club legend Andrew Durante, who will serve as senior academy assistant coach while continuing as player welfare and development manager.
Former Melbourne Victory, Melbourne City and Adelaide United star Mate Dugandzic will also continue as an assistant coach in the Senior team.
United football general manager Mal Impiombato said Ferreira and Durante would provide excellent examples to the next crop of green and black stars.
“As we continue to evolve, and as planned, Anthony will sharpen his focus on bringing to life our full academy structure in 2023,” he said.
“This will allow for Diogo Ferreira to step into the head coach role where he was instrumental in supporting Anthony last season in securing promotion to NPL 2.
“Our senior academy structure is further bolstered by including club legend Andrew Durante into the program, where he will work alongside Diogo as our under-23s assistant coach.
“We are excited about the journey ahead and we are delighted with the talented, youthful group that will lead our program.
“The WUFC Academy is in great hands as we aspire to provide opportunities and a pathway for all players in the west.”
Vaughan Coveny will remain the under-21s head coach, continuing in the role he has held since the Academy’s inception.
Nikola Markovski joins the club as an under-21s assistant coach.
