SUTHERLAND Sharks FC has transformed its coaching and playing ranks since their season finished a few weeks ago.
Former Socceroo Steve O'Connor, who's in the Australian Football Hall of Fame, is the new coach.
He is a qualified physical education, health and personal development teacher and now runs the International Football Institute in Sydney.
In recent years O'Connor has worked with the Hong Kong Football Association.
Long-standing coach Robbie Stanton has departed, and skipper Nick Stavroulakis and striker Panny Nikas have signed with Sydney United 58 FC next season in the Football NSW men's competition.
Sydney United 58 FC made Stavroulakis and Nikas generous contract offers.
Sharks general manager Paul Smith said Stanton wanted to take a break.
"Steve's appointment is for one year at this stage," Paul Smith said.
O'Connor played for Eastern Suburbs Hakoah. He won four titles at the club and has been continuously involved in football as a player and then a coach for many years.
Smith said this season's first grade assistant Carlos Villazon remains at the club.
The Sharks under-20s coach Giancarlo Maisano and premiership-winning Sharks under-18s coach Stuart Blaken have both been re-appointed.
Pre-season training will start in January.
