Expansion A-League venture Western Melbourne Group has made its first signing, luring John Anastasiadis to the club as an assistant coach.
The 50-year-old is arguably the best Australian-based coach outside of the A-League, having grown Victorian side Bentleigh into an NPL powerhouse.
Under Anastasiadis' tenure, the Greens became the first NPL club to reach the semi-finals of the FFA Cup twice, claiming two Victorian championships in the past four seasons.
Western Melbourne Group have tapped the former striker, who was also linked to the senior coaching vacancy at Brisbane Roar, ahead of its inaugural A-League season beginning in October.
WMG football director Steve Horvat said he was eager for the club to "build a bridge" between the sport's grassroots and elite competitions.
"John knows Victorian football through and through, has been an advocate for the NPL and has proved himself to be a hugely successful coach at NPL level and in the FFA Cup," Horvat said.
"There are many great Australian coaches at the NPL level such as John and we're delighted he joins us as an assistant coach."
Anastasiadis said he was delighted to sign after the "hard yards in the NPL".
"I'm now grateful to Western Melbourne Group that I now have an opportunity to further my career at such an ambitious club," he said.
"I'm Victorian through and through, always give 100 per cent and I desperately to help make this club a success for the community of the West."
WMG was unveiled as the A-League's 11th team last month, playing out of Geelong's Kardinia Park for its early seasons.
They are yet to unveil player signings but have been negotiating with Celtic captain Scott Brown to become a foundation marquee player.
Australian Associated Press
