New Hyundai A-League outfit Macarthur FC have landed a crucial piece of their off-field department with Ken Stead on board as the club’s inaugural Director of Football.
The highly-regarded Stead brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked as an assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Brisbane Roar during the club’s successful period in the Hyundai A-League.
The Scot has also had roles with the Caltex Socceroos, Young Socceroos, Australia’s U-23 squad, Wellington Phoenix and the Scottish Football Association.
“The region has impressive participation rates and is known as a hotbed of football talent, the 57-year-old said.
“To shape a football structure that will deliver new opportunities and pathways for these young players is a very exciting project and one I couldn’t resist.
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“I’ve known the club’s head coach Ante Milicic for some time and I’m looking forward to working with him and his team. Ante will have full control over first team matters with my initial focus being on building a whole-of-club structure with a view to long-term success.
“I’m aiming for a collaborative and productive relationship with the local associations, clubs, coaches and players. Consultation and regular engagement are the keys and we will work hard to create the right environment where everyone can flourish.”
Stead’s initial focus with Macarthur will be installing a football department structure, from the senior teams right through to the club’s academy and community football set-up.
He’ll also be tasked with ensuring the club’s culture and values are integrated and consistently practiced throughout the club.
“Ken is someone who knows the game as well as anyone and understands not only what we want to achieve, but how we want to achieve it,” Macarthur FC Executive Chairman Rabieh Krayem said.
“We are absolutely thrilled that he has decided to join us. Ken brings vast knowledge and experience to the club which puts the football department in a very safe pair of hands.”
Stead begins his full-time role with Macarthur in December.
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