The Western Sydney Wanderers have had their ups and downs over the past 12 months, as was noted by chairman Paul Lederer last week.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
It was a tough season at home and abroad for the Wanderers, who finished second-last in the A-League and will not get the chance to defend their Asian Champions League crown after being knocked out in the group stage.
But there was some silver lining last Thursday when it was announced that founding coach Tony Popovic had extended his contract for a further three years.
Popovic was joined by Lederer and CEO John Tsatsimis for a media conference, where it was confirmed he will be at the club until the end of the 2017-18 season.
Lederer acknowledged it had been a disappointing season, but expressed his confidence in Popovic as the man to take the club forward.
The announcement brings to an end speculation that Popovic was set to sign a more lucrative offer overseas.
According to the man himself, nothing was ever concrete.
"No, let's just say it was all speculation," he said.
"My drive and hunger is probably even more, to make sure we can make Western Sydney one of the best clubs in the league."
After a fairytale beginning to their history, the Wanderers were well below expectations in 2014-15, but Popovic pointed out they have achieved a lot in three years.
"We've had a lot of success in three years and we want more. We enjoy the expectation.
"I enjoy the criticism when we don't win, because that means we're a big club and I want that to continue."
There is yet to be any official news on the future of players like Tomi Juric and Kerem Bulut who are reported to be on the way out, but Popovic said they will have an idea of who is staying and who is not by the end of this week.
Lederer indicated there will be news on other future plans for the club, including a new training base and a football academy in the near future.