Melbourne City have parted ways with coach Warren Joyce after declining the option to re-sign the Englishman beyond the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season.
Joyce, who joined City at the start of the 2017/18 campaign, has come to the end of his two-year deal, with the club passing up the opportunity to extend it.
It brings to an end a tumultuous couple of seasons at the club for the former Manchester United assistant, who has failed to deliver much-craved Hyundai A-League success.
Melbourne City FC confirms Warren Joyce has left the Club following the conclusion of his contract. We thank Warren for his commitment over the past two seasons and wish him well in the future.
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— Melbourne City FC (@MelbourneCity) May 8, 2019
Joyce’s last match in charge was Sunday night’s heart-breaking 1-0 Elimination Final defeat to Adelaide United in extra-time.
“It’s been a challenging couple of seasons, but I have great pride in the players and staff for the progress the club has made,” Joyce told City’s official website.
“I’ve seen real growth from the playing group and within the football organisation and the continued development of the right kind of culture.
“I am confident that A-League success is around the corner for the club.”
Joyce joined Melbourne City in June 2017 from English Championship side Wigan Athletic.
He took the club to a third-place finish in 2017/18, falling one game short of the Grand Final after losing to Newcastle Jets 2-1 in the semis.
They fell further down the ladder this season, ending the regular season in fifth position, before bowing out in the first week of the finals against the Reds.
“Warren leaves Melbourne City FC having helped the club progress against many of our organisational ambitions, and we are grateful for his dedication and passion for the club’s development over the past two years,” Melbourne City CEO Brad Rowse said.
“In particular, under his stewardship a significant number of young players have made the transition to first-team football and many have been recognised with National team selection.”
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While Joyce has overseen the emergence of some impressive young talent at City, his strained relationship with star striker Bruno Fornaroli was a distraction this season.
The Uruguayan didn’t play for the club after Round 4, eventually gaining a release to join Perth Glory for next season.
City confirmed in a statement they will immediately begin the search for a new coach “to build upon the work overseen by Joyce over the last two seasons”.
“Our ambition remains unchanged. We want to be constantly competing for silverware and playing in the Asian Champions League, with a definitive brand of football,” City Director of Football Michael Petrillo said.
