Melbourne Victory’s plans for the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season are shaping up in more ways than one as the club announced three key signings.
On the pitch, Arthur Diles shored up his defence with veteran duo Roderick Miranda and Adama Traore both agreeing to remain at the club for the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, a new face has also been added to the coaching staff with the arrival of Isuzu UTE A-League legend Andrew Durante as a first team assistant coach, joining from Western United where he had been assisting John Aloisi since retiring.
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Captain Miranda will build on his 107 appearances for Victory after missing just two matches across the entirety of last term. The 34-year-old revealed recently that his family feels Australian, now heading into their fifth season in Melbourne.
Meanwhile, Traore boasts 136 appearances for the club, and remains a hugely experienced head at the back.
“For the younger players, both Roddy and Adama display outstanding leadership qualities that we aspire to emulate and their display of dedication and professionalism is second to none amongst the group,” Victory midfielder Jordi Valadon said.
“They set an example that we all look up to, and that helps guide us as footballers as we aim to bring success to the club.”
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Victory Director of Football John Didulica added: “Both Roderick and Adama are an essential part of the culture and success here at Victory.
“Going into each season, it’s important for us to have the right individuals setting the highest standards to not only help win matches but ensure the ongoing development of our emerging talent – something which has been key to reaching Grand Finals, having our players selected for the Socceroos and transitioning players into elite European football.
“As our Club Captain, Roderick is highly respected by everyone at the Club and alongside Adama, the pair provide a wealth of experience that will continue to push Victory to challenge for silverware in each of the competitions we play in.”
Durante’s arrival adds extra experience to the Victory coaching staff, joining Nick Stavroulakis as assistant to Diles, who took over after Patrick Kisnorbo’s exit after just seven games last season.
“Andrew Durante is one of the most respected professionals in the A-League so we are privileged to bring him onto our coaching staff for the upcoming season,” Didulica said.
“Andrew brings a wealth of experience at both senior men’s football and in the women’s international game. His leadership and understanding of player development will be invaluable as we continue to build a world class program.
“Andrew augments the great staff we have retained going into this season, including Arthur but also our goalkeeper coach Davide (del Giovine) and the entire support staff. These compounding gains will enable us to build a program that sees us consistently challenge for trophies and create a platform for players to springboard into elite competitions around the world.”
