The Western Sydney Wanderers today announced a new Westfield W-League coaching line-up with the appointment of Dean Heffernan as head coach.
Heffernan will be assisted by inaugural Wanderers captain Michael Beauchamp and current W-League assistant coach Catherine Cannuli.
A rising star in the coaching ranks, Heffernan has mustered plenty of experience since his retirement with the Wanderers in 2014 including his current role as head coach of the Wanderers U20s team in the NPL2 and assistant coach role with the NPL2 and last season’s Foxtel Y-League team that reached the grand final for its second consecutive season.
Beauchamp, who recently joined Heffernan as assistant in the U20s, will make his first step up into senior coaching with his assistant coach role.
Cannuli will continue to developing her already impressive coaching credentials as assistant coach along with her role as Women’s Technical Director at Southern Districts Football Association.
Heffernan said he was honoured to be appointed and looked forward to the hard work ahead.
“It is a honour and privilege to be given this opportunity to work with the Wanderers Westfield W-League team,” said Heffernan.
“Having played and coached at this club already I know the desire for success that exists in our club and our membership and fanbase.
“With Cath and Michael we have a group of people that not only have played at the elite level but have also progressed through the youth development coaching pathway and understand the culture and expectation of this club.
“We want to build a winning mentality and to harness and develop the elite local talent Western Sydney has to offer.”
Wanderers W-League assistant coach Cath Cannuli said she was excited for the season ahead.
“I have been with the Wanderers for many years now and the work happening on and off the pitch is impressive,” said Cannuli.
“With our new training facility in Blacktown and games to be played at Bankwest Stadium and Marconi Stadium we’ll have the best facilities in the league and a great opportunity ahead of us.”
As inaugural captain of the Wanderers Hyundai A-League team, Michael Beauchamp knows how important culture and hard work is to creating a great team.
“I believe that with Dean and Cath we will create a very strong working environment and get the best out of each other and our group of players,” said Beauchamp
“I’m excited for the opportunity and can’t wait for the hard work to begin.”
Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said he looked forward to successful campaign in the coming season with three fantastic individuals at the helm.
“Dean, Cath and Michael know this club intimately and know what it takes at the highest level of the game,” said Tsatsimas.
“We want to give our Westfield W-League team every opportunity to succeed on and off the pitch, as athletes and as individuals.”
The club recently parted ways with former head coach Dan Barrett following his one season at the club.
“As a club we would like to thank Dan for his contribution, he is a great person and we wish him the best of luck in the future,” finished Tsatsimas.
