Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Alen Stajcic has signed a two-season contract extension, set to keep him at the helm until the end of the 2026-27 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign.
A Western Sydney local, Stajcic returned home to coach the Wanderers in 2024 and oversaw the club’s rise from seventh at the end of 2023-24 to a fourth-place finish in his first season in charge.
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The Wanderers ended the regular season on a 12-game unbeaten streak under Stajcic, with their 58 goals scored the most of any team in the competition.
A 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in the Elimination Finals brought an end to Stajcic’s first term at the club, but after signing a new multi-year deal, the Wanderers boss is eager to build off the vast improvements he oversaw in 2024-25 in the seasons ahead.
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“I am extremely humbled to be given the opportunity to continue my journey at the club,” Stajcic said.
“In such a privileged position, it’s been great to see the progress that we’ve made as a football club. It was extremely pleasing to see the A-League Men’s side achieve so much – from qualifying for the Finals Series, the undefeated run that spanned three months and the attacking intent and positivity within the team.
“However, the most rewarding aspects this season have been the return of fan engagement and strong crowd numbers towards the end of the season, and most importantly, the culture and leadership developed by the staff and players.
“We know we accomplished a lot, but the ultimate achievements were still missing and we must now work even harder to continue to grow the team and the fanbase to attain the results we all desire.
“There’s still plenty of work to do, and I can’t wait for the 2025-26 season to begin.”
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Stajcic’s Wanderers excelled through the second half of his first season in charge, led by star duo Nicolas Milanovic and Brandon Borrello who combined for 34 goal involvements to spearhead Western Sydney’s surge to a fourth-place finish.
Milanovic’s 12 goals and six assists saw the young forward earn the Johnny Warren Medal, but his departure to Scottish Premiership club Aberdeen for a club-record fee leaves a void in attack which Stajcic must fill as one of his key tasks heading into his second season as Wanderers head coach.
After confirming Stajcic’s two-season contract extension, Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson highlighted the connection between Stajcic and the local region as a driving force behind the transformation through his first year at the helm.
“Alen has done an incredible job in his first season,” Hudson said.
“His leadership, connection to the region, and drive to succeed have been instrumental in our progress this season.”
“We’re thrilled to have him locked in for the next two years and can’t wait to see what’s next under his guidance.”
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