On 17 May 2012, Tony Popovic was formally announced as the inaugural NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers Head Coach.
Following an illustrious playing career Popovic began his transition to coaching initially with Hyundai A-League side Sydney FC as assistant coach before linking up with former Club, English Championship side Crystal Palace in 2011 as senior team coach under Manager Dougie Freedman.
As a player the commanding central defender represented clubs throughout Australia, Asia and Europe most notably in the J-League with Japanese giants Sanfrecce Hiroshima and England’s Crystal Palace where he plied his trade for five seasons, many as club captain. During this time Popovic was also a representative of the Socceroos earning 59 caps in the Green and Gold from 1994-2006.
Popovic entrenched himself in Western Sydney Wanderers folklore leading the side to a A-League Premiership in the Club’s first season. In what was an incredible A-League debut Popovic coached the side to a ten game winning streak and earned himself the prestigious Coach of the Year award before leading the Club to a second-successive Grand Final in 2013/14.
On 8 May 2015 it was announced that Popovic had signed a three year contract extension to coach the Wanderers until the end of the 2017/18 season.
Popovic’s incredible journey with the Wanderers continued in the 2015/16 season as he coached the club to a third Grand Final in only four seasons and ensured a return to the AFC Champions League.
Tony Popovic dressed by:
