Socceroos great John Aloisi extends stint as Western United coach

Despite Western United’s future not totally secured, the club has made an announcement about its coach for the next two seasons.

Western United has received a much-needed boost, with coach John Aloisi signing a new two-year contract to remain in charge of the financially embattled A-League club.

Aloisi, who led United to the A-League title in 2022 and last season’s finals series, had delayed recommitting to the club due to the uncertainty over its future.

However, despite United’s new ownership structure under KAM Melbourne – a subsidiary of American company KAM Sports – yet to be approved by the Australian Professional Leagues, Aloisi has extended his stay at the club.

“The reason I re-signed is I still see so much growth left on and off the pitch, and I can’t wait to continue this journey together as a club, with the support of our fans who have stuck by us through the highs and the lows,” the Socceroos great said.

“I am super excited to continue working with this group of players. We played some great attacking football last season, and I know this group is still hungry to keep learning and improving.”

John Aloisi has recommitted to Western United for two more years. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

United general manager of football Mal Impiombato said Aloisi had been a “difference maker” on and off the pitch for the club.

“John has revolutionised the culture from our football department through to the admin office and left an indelible impression on everyone at the club,” Impiombato said.

“His leadership through all of the ups and downs of a football season, his ability to encourage the very best out of our players and staff, and the way he represents the club and our values in the public domain are of the highest quality and aptitude.

“We firmly believe we have one of the brightest Australian coaches and leaders at our club.”

United also announced the signing of former Sydney FC attacker Jaiden Kucharski on a two-year deal.

However, United can’t officially register Kucharski due to an existing ban slapped on the club by FIFA – understood to related to a financial dispute with former United striker Aleksandar Prijovic – in May.

Former Sydney FC attacker Jaiden Kucharski has joined Western United. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Kucharski is therefore ineligible to play for United in the club’s Australia Cup round-of-32 clash on July 29 against his former club Sydney at Ironbark Fields.

United officials are hopeful the dispute that led to the ban will be resolved before then to allow 23-year-old Kucharski to be registered and play against the Sky Blues.

United’s squad is in need of further replenishment, with six players that were part of the 2024-25 campaign – Noah Botic, Michael Ruhs, Riku Danzaki, James Donachie, Ramy Najjarine and Kane Vidmar – no longer at the club.

Originally published as Socceroos great John Aloisi extends stint as Western United coach