John Aloisi’s staying put: Title-winning Western United coach extends contract

John Aloisi has signed a contract extension that will see him remain at Western United for the next two seasons, having “reinvigorated” the club.

Aloisi guided Western to their maiden Isuzu UTE A-League Championship last season and the Socceroos legend will now lead the titleholders into their next phase as they prepare to move to their future home in Tarneit.

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In 2022-23 – Aloisi’s second season at the helm, Western are ninth in the standings and five points adrift of the finals places amid the emergence of exciting Australian prospect Noah Botic, who re-signed on Wednesday.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone at Western United for the faith they have shown in me and for the opportunity to continue to lead the club into the future,” said Aloisi, who will become the club’s longest-serving head coach.

“I have been excited by the journey this club is on since the day that I joined, and I am thankful for the chance to continue to help lead that journey.

“We have enjoyed many memorable moments as a club already and I am looking forward to sharing plenty more special memories with our fans in the future.”

Western have won their last two games on the bounce in the A-League Men; the last time they won more in succession was a four-game stretch from February to March in 2022.

“John has bought into our vision, our identity and our philosophy as a Club from the moment he arrived,” said Western general manager Mal Impiombato.

“Last season, John was able to entrench our values into our playing group and extend on the existing foundations developed by the Club, leading us to the A-League Men Championship.

“John’s impact on the entire Club environment and the standards that are set here has been integral, through his work ethic, dedication and his qualities as a person.

“John remains committed to the growth of our Club and our identity in the West and I am delighted that he will be the visionary leader to take us into the next major chapter on our journey.”