Hyundai A-League Champions Sydney FC have promoted Rob Stanton to Assistant Coach for the 2019/20 season, the club confirmed today.
Stanton has progressed through the ranks at the Sky Blues, guiding the club’s youth team to the title in 2016 before becoming an instrumental member of Head Coach Steve Corica’s staff during last season’s Championship season.
Most recently tasked as Sydney FC’s second Assistant Coach encompassing scouting the Sky Blues’ AFC Champions League opponents, Stanton will now become Corica’s right hand man for his title-defending campaign.
“It’s a huge honour for me to be promoted to Assistant Coach,” Stanton said.
“We’ve a fantastic, talented group of players this season and I’m excited at the prospect of working closely with them as we go about defending our Championship.
“I know what’s expected at Sydney FC and I’ll be doing everything I can to ensure further success is delivered to this club.”
Head Coach Steve Corica said he was pleased to promote Stanton.
“Rob thoroughly deserves his promotion,” he said.
“His expertise was a vital cog in the wheel of our Championship win last season and we will need him again as we look to improve on last year.”
Sydney FC’s long-time servant Paul Reid will step into Stanton’s vacated role as second Assistant Coach and will also have a strong focus on recruitment.
A former Socceroo, Reid spent a large part of his career playing in England for Brighton & Hove Albion and Bradford City, while he also represented both Adelaide United and Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League.
As a Head Coach Reid has had success at NPL NSW Men’s 1 club Rockdale City Suns, three times taking the club to the semi-finals, while also coaching the squad to an FFA Cup round of 32 tie against Sydney FC last season.
Reid has also been managing Sydney FC’s Skills Training Programs and Community Association relationships since retiring from professional football in 2013 and steps immediately into his new role.
Stanton and Reid will work alongside new Head Goalkeeping Coach Matt Nash, while Head of High Performance Elias Boukarim, Chief Medical Officer James Lawrence, Strength & Conditioning consultant Chris Pappas, medical staff Ibrahim Kerem (Head Physiotherapist) and Judith Smith (Masseuse) remain with the club.
Head of Football Analysis Justin McMahon will continue to lead the Sky Blues’ technical team, aided by Matt Costantini.
Sydney FC’s Hyundai A-League, Foxtel Y-League and NPL Football Manager Michael Swibel enters his 7th season with the club, while Equipment Manager/Sports Scientist Alex Scardino and Kit Manager Trudi Johnston are also on board, along with Pat Manfrin who joins as Team Assistant.
“We’ve got a fantastic group of staff at Sydney FC and I’m pleased to have this group with me in season 2019/20,” Corica said.
“They know the club, they know what’s expected at Sydney FC and what it takes to win.
“I’d like to extend a welcome to Reidy and Nashy and I’m looking forward to working with everyone this year.”
Sydney FC’s Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Advisor Mike Conway leaves the club after three highly successful seasons to take up a role as Technical Director of the UOW Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Program.
The club would like to thank Mike for his work over the last three years and wishes him well in his continued role with the Socceroos and with Tottenham Hotspur and UOW.
Sydney FC’s players are back in training this week as focus shifts to the Sky Blues’ pre-season friendlies, including the clash against French giants PSG in China before an FFA Cup Round of 32 encounter against Brisbane Roar.
