Macarthur FC have confirmed Mile Sterjovski as head coach following the controversial departure of Dwight Yorke.
The former Socceroo star has become the first coach to develop through the club’s pathways to the top coaching position after agreeing to lead the A-League squad on a permanent basis.
Sterjovski joined the club in its inaugural season in 2020, taking charge of the club’s youth team in the NSW NPL1, as well as working as an assistant to former A-League head coach Ante Milicic between 2020 and 2022.
“Mile has been part of our club since the beginning and it gives us great pride to have one of our own progress to the head coaching position,” Macarthur FC chief executive Sam Krslovic said.
“Although he’s only just started as our A-League head coach, our senior team has already been heavily influenced by Mile’s important work within the youth department with five players graduating from the Bulls FC Academy into the senior squad this season.”
Sterjovski was unveiled to the A-League squad at Monday’s training session and will take charge of his first game on Saturday, against Western United at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
“Having been part of the Bulls set-up since the inaugural season, it’s a great honour to now be given the opportunity to lead this club in the A-League,” Sterjovski said.
“I want to thank the chairman Gino Marra and CEO Sam Krslovic for their confidence and support since I joined the club.
“Since day one with this club, I have worked with the NPL side to help the talented youngsters achieve their goal of becoming professional players. The players are still my top priority in this new role, and I will do everything to help them reach their potential.
“I want to build on what the club has started this season and there won’t be any change to our objective of playing finals football.”
A member of the famed golden generation of the Australian national team, Sterjovski made 43 appearances for the Socceroos between 2000 and 2010, scoring eight goals.
Notably, he started in three of the Socceroos’ games at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, including the round of 16 clash against Italy.
Sterjovski playing with Derby County in England, Swiss giants Basel and Ligue 1 club Lille.
He has a Swiss league title to his name, as well as an A-League title and a National Soccer League premiership.
“He adds invaluable experience to our football department having played at the highest level – the English Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup,” Krslovic said.
“We look forward to the start of a successful era under the guidance of Mile and we believe Bulls fans will be excited by the football they see at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.”
