Western Sydney Wanderers head coach Marko Rudan has agreed a three-year contract extension with the Isuzu UTE A-League outfit.
Rudan, who first arrived in January 2022, will remain at Wanderland until the end of the 2026-27 season.
In his first full campaign last season, Rudan guided the Wanderers to their first Finals Series since 2016-17 while Western Sydney are again aiming high this season as they sit third through 11 matches.
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“This is the region where I grew up, fell in love with the game of football and started my professional playing and coaching career,” said Rudan, whose Wanderers meet three-time reigning premiers Melbourne City on Friday during Unite Round.
“I have always said that this role is personal for me and we have been building something very special. We have worked hard to build back some of that trust from the members and fans through instilling a DNA in the team that they can be proud of.
“As part of our ongoing plan to rebuild this football club to be competitive every season, we have also taken a focus on our Wanderers Academy and have established a stronger pathway to not only develop the next generation of Wanderers but also provide them with opportunities to go overseas.
“I would like to thank the Chairman Paul Lederer, board members Jefferson Cheng and Glenn Duncan and their families, and CEO Scott Hudson for their support and belief.
“The next three years will see us continue to work hard to bring back pride not only to this football club but the Western Sydney region.”
In his first full season in 2022-23, the Wanderers equalled the highest number of home wins in a campaign, fewest goals conceded and best goal difference since the club inaugural season.
They also equalled a club record with 10 clean sheets in a season.
In 2023-24, the Wanderers are third and five points adrift of unbeaten leaders Melbourne Victory.
“Over the last season and a half, we have seen a rejuvenated Western Sydney Wanderers football club under head coach Marko Rudan with the team maintaining and exemplifying our core values of fight, unity and excellence,” said Wanderers chairman Paul Lederer.
“His understanding of the domestic football landscape has seen the club return to winning ways and his knowledge of the region has helped rebuild the connection with our members and fans.
“We look forward to Marko continuing to work hard over the next three seasons at the Western Sydney Wanderers.”
Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson added: “Head coach Marko Rudan’s contract extension ensures that we have stability at our club for the next three Isuzu UTE A-League seasons.
“Marko has embraced our commitment to the region not only as a football club, but as a club for the people of Western Sydney, and has renewed our members and fans belief.”
