Sydney FC Head Coach Steve Corica has made a number of new appointments to his football department following some off-season departures.
Head of High Performance Andrew Clark leaves the club after four fantastic seasons and is replaced by highly qualified sports scientist Chris Pappas.
Pappas has worked alongside Clark and the Sky Blues players over recent seasons and is well versed in the performance attributes of the squad.
The 32-year old has extensive experience working in sport having consulted for the NRL, Cricket NSW, Football NSW and Athletics Australia.
In addition, he has spent a number of years developing and preparing young footballers for trials with top European clubs.
Photo: Jaime Castaneda
Head Coach Steve Corica welcomed Chris to his new role and praised Clark for his enormous contribution over the last four years.
“Clarky has had a huge impact at this club over the past four years and on behalf of everyone I’d like to thank him for the fantastic job he did.
“He has been an integral part of our success and he leaves with our best wishes for the future.
“I am delighted we have been able to replace him with one of the best young sports scientists in the country and someone the players know well.
“Chris’ knowledge of our current squad is excellent, having worked with them before and this will make the transition much easier.
“Chris has extensive experience in football and across other codes and will be able to bring all of that knowledge to bear at Sydney FC.
“His methods have already been taken on board by the players and he fits into our club’s culture well.”
Clark, who moves on to take up another opportunity, praised the club and hinted at a possible future return.
“I had four amazing years at Sydney FC and the club will always remain dear to me,” he said.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the club from the Board of Directors, to the coaches, the staff and our Members.
“I will always support the club and one day would like to be a part of the Sky Blues again.
“I wish Chris all the best in the role, he is a first-class sports scientist and will do an exceptional job for the club.”
Meanwhile Sky Blues National Youth League Head Coach Rob Stanton will join the Hyundai A-League coaching staff as Assistant Coach alongside new recruit Ufuk Talay.
Photo: Football NSW/George Loupis
Stanton joined Sydney FC three years ago following a successful coaching spell at Sutherland Sharks.
He has since won the National Youth League and NSW National Premier League Men’s 2 titles, while also engineering the Sky Blues’ promotion to NSW NPL Men’s 1.
Stanton has also been instrumental in bringing through youth prospects Chris Zuvela and Charles Lokoli-Ngoy to the Sydney FC Hyundai A-League squad, with a number of other young players set to challenge for first team recognition this season.
“Rob has proven time and time again how good a coach he is, especially with the work he has done getting our NPL 1st grade promoted and keeping them there,” said Corica.
“He has also worked with our under 20’s to turn them into one of the best teams in the competition and his knowledge and attention to detail will be a huge advantage to us.
“Rob has worked regularly with our Hyundai A-League squad for the last three years and his drive and commitment have been outstanding, so I am delighted he has agreed to become our assistant coach.”
Meanwhile former Young Socceroos, Central Coast Mariners and Western Sydney Wanderers analyst Justin McMahon joins the club as the Sky Blues new Head of Football Analysis, replacing Doug Kors who leaves with thanks after three and a half years excellent service, while former striker Shane Smeltz becomes the Sky Blues new under 20’s Assistant Coach working alongside Head Coach Giancarlo Italiano.
