The Western Sydney Wanderers has announced Richard Byrne as Westfield W-League Head Coach for the upcoming 2016/17 season.
With experience in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, Byrne has worked with players and teams from grassroots football all the way up to the professional level.
A former assistant coach at Foxtel National Youth League level and with the Pararoos – Australia’s Paralympic football team – Byrne’s most recent job was with the NSW Girls State Team whom he led at the National Championships.
Byrne will bring a wealth of experience and versatility to the Wanderers having worked extensively with women, men, girls and boys in his career.
According to Byrne, coaching at the Western Sydney Wanderers was too good to turn down.
“Joining the Wanderers is a fantastic opportunity: it’s a big club, an exciting job and it’s great to be working in an area of Sydney that’s passionate about football and where expectations are high,” said Byrne.
Byrne explained that the Wanderers’ one-club philosophy was a big reason in him joining the club.
“The Wanderers have a great model where every team is important, from the U13s to the first team. There is a family and community vibe here so we’ll make sure that continues in the Westfield W-League team.
“Ideally we’ll be playing the same style of football as the Hyundai A-League team. My vision, and the club’s vision, is that we want to see a style of play that the club can be proud of. Our aspiration is to have the best Westfield W-League team in the country.”
Assistant coach Leah Blayney and goalkeeping coach Davide Del Giovine will join Byrne in the Westfield W-League coaching team.
