Looking forward … The new team at Sydenham Park Soccer Club are, from left, Rob Ribarovski ( vice president), Nick Manevski (president), Tony Ivanov (senior coach)and Tony Todorovski (assistant coach). 56763 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Luke D’Anello
SYDENHAM Park Soccer Club is keen to banish the painful memories of 2010.
With a new committee, new president and new coach confirmed, Keilor Lodge Reserve is buzzing.
President Nick Manevski said promotion from Football Federation Victoria Men’s State League Division Three North-West competition would be the number one priority next year, while a position in the Victorian Premier League is the long-term ambition.
The coaching structure has been examined, with Tony Ivanov appointed as head coach. Sydenham Park is also on the hunt for a junior director of coaching to help develop depth in the ranks.
“There’s a very high enthusiasm at the club,” Manevski said, citing fresh ideas from the incoming committee.
“With that comes excitement and passion to get some good results for the club.
“We’ve got a lot more structure in place to provide the coaching support and development for our youth, and the other players at the club.”
Sydenham Park won just four matches last season and was relegated from the Division Two North-West competition.
The club has been on an aggressive recruiting campaign during the off-season in an effort to beef up the playing roster.
“Part of the direction and strategy for next year is that we will be aiming for promotion. A lot of that at senior level will rely on recruiting some star players, and that’s already underway.”
But Manevski said it was simply too early to reveal the names of the new faces.
Meanwhile, Ivanov’s ability to develop young players is what won him the top job.
Ivanov coached Sydenham Park’s reserves team five years ago and was also involved in the rise of Spase Dilevski, who represented Queensland Roar in the A-League and is now playing for Universitatea Craiova in Romania.
“He (Ivanov) knows how to bring the best out of players and motivate. He tends to speak very influentially.
“We felt with where the club was at – and also the fact that we were going to be heavily recruiting for next year – we needed someone that was a strong leader, and someone who can bring the best out of change in a short period of time.
“Part of our plan is to eventually be playing Premier League – that’s our main goal as a club.”
Manevski said the Sydenham Park was also looking at introducing a summer soccer academy.
