A-League stalwart Alex Wilkinson staying with Sydney FC in a football operations role

A-League legend Alex Wilkinson won’t be lost to Sydney FC despite his recent retirement.

Despite his retirement, Alex Wilkinson won’t be lost to Sydney FC. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Recently retired A-League great Alex Wilkinson will remain with Sydney FC in a newly created head of football operations role.

The former Socceroo, who hung up his boots at the end of the Sky Blues’ 2022-23 campaign after a decorated career that included 365 A-League appearances, was thrilled to be starting a multi-faceted job that included not only taking charge of football operations, but also having a say in recruitment, mentoring young players and advising on defensive coaching.

“I’m excited to begin and looking forward to helping lead this club into a new and successful period in our history,” the 38-year-old ex-Sydney captain said.

“I’m delighted to be staying at the place I enjoyed the most successful and enjoyable part of my career, and I hope I can become just as successful in this new appointment.”

Retired A-League great Alex Wilkinson is starting new role with Sydney FC. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Sky Blues chief executive officer Adam Santo said it was a “real coup” for Sydney to keep Wilkinson at the club.

“To have a person of Alex’s character, intelligence, influence and experience staying at the club is a real coup for us,” Santo said.

“He is one of the most well-respected players in A-League history and will become a great ambassador for Sydney FC in the years ahead.

“I’m sure he will become as valuable an asset to Sydney FC off the pitch as he was on it.”

Originally published as A-League stalwart Alex Wilkinson staying with Sydney FC in a football operations role