De Marigny swaps Victory for Wanderers as Babbel adds to backroom staff

New Western Sydney Wanderers boss Markus Babbel has strengthened his Hyundai A-League intel by securing Jean-Paul de Marigny as an assistant coach.

De Marigny helped Melbourne Victory win the Grand Final last month but opted to return to New South Wales to be closer to his wife and family.

The former Australia international has close ties with Sydney’s west after beginning his coaching career with Marconi Stallions and now adds a third Hyundai A-League club to his resume, having had a spell with Newcastle Jets between his two stints at Victory.

READ: Babbel named new Wanderers coach

READ: Babbel won over by Wanderers ‘fever’

“I’m very excited, I spent a lot of time in Western Sydney both coaching and playing so it’s a real homecoming,” de Marigny said in a Wanderers statement.

“Obviously, my family is here, so it’s been a long journey to get here but it has been all worth it. 

“Western Sydney is a unique area and it’s a hard working-class area. There’s a lot of honesty in their work and values are very important to them.

“It’s all about bringing my knowledge, knowing the football landscape and understanding the formula for success into the football club and helping Markus Babbel to achieve what he wants to achieve at the club. 

“Personally, it’s a great opportunity to work next to someone such as Markus that has a massive profile in football.

“I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible and I can’t wait to work with him.”

Jean-Paul de Marigny and Gui Finkler

De Marigny originally headed to Melbourne in 2013 and was Kevin Muscat’s right-hand man as the club reached three Grand Finals, winning twice.

Victory’s head coach earlier paid tribute to the 54-year-old.

“JP has been a very popular member of our football club for a number of years now,” Muscat said in a club statement.

“It’s obviously sad to see him go but we wish him and his family all the best for the future.

“We’re currently talking to a number of candidates about the role and we’re hoping to have someone in place early in pre-season.”

READ: Wanderers’ new stadium starting to take shape