Melbourne Victory has announced former assistant coach Jean-Paul de Marigny will reunite with head coach Kevin Muscat for the 2016/17 season.
De Marigny, who was an integral part of Victory’s Hyundai A-League Premiership-Championship double in 2014/15, returns to the club after spending last season with Newcastle Jets.
He replaces Rado Vidosic, who has left the club after one season as Assistant Coach.
Caltex Socceroo star in EA Sports’ world’s best
De Marigny joined Victory in 2013 as Assistant Coach but decided to return home to Sydney for personal reasons after the club won the 2015 Grand Final.
“While it was hard to see Jean-Paul leave last year, we obviously respected his decision to return to Sydney,” said Muscat.
“Jean-Paul was a key component of the success we achieved in the 2014/15 season, and the players and staff are excited to welcome him back.
“I would like to thank Rado Vidosic for his professionalism and dedication to his role this year, and wish him well for the future.”
Prior to arriving at Victory for his first stint, de Marigny developed his coaching experience in New South Wales with clubs including Newcastle, Marconi Stallions and Sydney Olympic.
He also boasts experience at international level as an assistant coach for the Australian under-17 squad.
De Marigny enjoyed a decorated playing career in Australia that included two Socceroos caps and stints with Sydney City, APIA Leichhardt Tigers, Marconi and Sydney United.
“It was very difficult for me to leave Melbourne Victory after the success we achieved in the 2014/15 season, but I had family commitments I had to fulfil in Sydney and the club respected that,” de Marigny said.
“Now that I am in a position to return to Melbourne, I am extremely grateful to Kevin Muscat and the entire Melbourne Victory Football Club for offering me this opportunity.
“While there will be plenty of hard work to be done in the off-season, I am excited about the challenge and am looking forward to getting started.”