Gary van Egmond Makes A-League Comeback with Western Sydney Wanderers
In a significant move for Australian football, former Newcastle Jets championship-winning coach Gary van Egmond has returned to the A-League Men's competition. The experienced mentor has officially taken over the reins at Western Sydney Wanderers, stepping into the role vacated by Alen Stajcic who was dismissed earlier this week.
Coaching Shake-Up at Wanderland
The Wanderers confirmed van Egmond's appointment on Tuesday night following a series of meetings between the new coach, Western Sydney's NPL coach Damir Prodanovic, and club analyst Lachlan Harris. Prodanovic, who previously spent two years at the Newcastle Jets under Rob Stanton, will now serve as van Egmond's primary assistant coach. A-League legend Milos Ninkovic is set to remain with the coaching staff, providing valuable experience and continuity.
Van Egmond's return marks his fourth stint in the A-League coaching ranks, with his most notable achievement being the 2007-08 championship he secured with the Newcastle Jets. The 60-year-old has built an impressive resume that includes coaching both the Jets men's and women's teams, as well as serving as director of the club's academy. His most recent position was with FNSW League One club Hills United.
Stajcic's Departure After Struggling Season
The coaching change comes after Western Sydney Wanderers decided to part ways with Alen Stajcic following a disappointing run of results. Stajcic's tenure had been under increasing pressure as the Wanderers languished at the bottom of the A-League ladder, having won only three matches from their first thirteen games this season. The team's attacking struggles were particularly evident, having scored a league-low ten goals during that period.
Stajcic's departure marks his exit from a third A-League Men's club, having previously coached Central Coast Mariners from 2019 to 2021 before taking charge at Perth Glory. His move to Western Sydney in 2024 came after he replaced Marko Rudan, who had vacated the role for family reasons despite having signed a contract extension until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Challenges and Changes at Western Sydney
The Wanderers' struggles this season have been compounded by the loss of several key players during the off-season. Winger Nicolas Milanovic and forward Zac Sapsford were among those who departed, while former Manchester United star Juan Mata also left the club for Melbourne Victory after being used sparingly during his first year in Australia.
Van Egmond faces the immediate challenge of revitalizing a squad that showed promise under Stajcic last season, finishing fourth before suffering a narrow 2-1 elimination final defeat to Melbourne Victory. The new coach will lead the Wanderers until the end of the current season, with the club hoping his championship-winning experience can spark a turnaround in fortunes.
This appointment represents a full-circle moment for van Egmond, who returns to the A-League competition where he first made his mark nearly two decades ago. His task will be to implement his tactical philosophy quickly and effectively as Western Sydney Wanderers seek to climb from the bottom of the table and salvage their 2025-26 campaign.
