Canberra United have turned to a familiar face, appointing Njegosh Popovich as head coach for the 2022-23 Liberty A-League season.
Popovich replaces Vicki Linton and returns to Canberra, where he served as assistant coach to Heather Garriock from September 2015 to March 2017.
During his time in the Australian capital, Popovich helped Canberra to a runners-up finish in the eight season of the A-League Women and the Premiership the following year.
He will be tasked with restoring the fortunes of Canberra, who went from semi-finalists in 2020-21 to seventh position in a forgettable campaign.
“I am thrilled to have been appointed as head coach for Canberra United and am very excited about getting started at the club,” Popovich said.
“My aim is to put Canberra United back on the map in the Liberty Women’s A-League. The club has a strong and proud history, and we should be challenging for league titles and playing in Grand Finals.
“My goal is to achieve that, and I am confident that we can regain our position as one of the most prominent clubs in the competition.”
Canberra CEO Chris Gardiner added: “We considered a number of potential candidates for the role of head coach and Njegosh’s profile ticked all the right boxes for us as an organisation.
“Njegosh brings a highly valued CV, an understanding of Women’s football and is across the local football scene. He is Canberra born, has experience through Canberra United and is a very capable Canberra local to lead the club forward.
“I’ve never received such strong references in a selection process, and in this instance, both as a coach and as a person, I am very confident he is the right coach for the Club, the key players we have and want, and the ALW in 2022-23.
“We are looking forward to welcoming Njegosh back to Canberra United.”
