Paul Lederer stands down as Western Sydney Wanderers chairman as club closes in on Stajcic

Alen Stajcic is set to become the new coach of Western Sydney Wanderers, a decision which has played a factor in the decision of the club’s high-profile chairman to stand down.

Paul Lederer has stood down as Western Sydney Wanderers chairman. Picture: Nic Walker

Western Sydney supremo Paul Lederer has stood down as the club’s chairman amid speculation of a split among Wanderers owners as to who should replace Marko Rudan as coach.

It’s understood that current Perth Glory coach Alen Stajcic is set to be appointed as the replacement for Rudan, who left the Wanderers last month despite having three years remaining on his contract.

Former Matildas boss Stajcic has two years left on his Glory deal but is set to be ousted by current Sydney FC assistant coach David Zdrilic, with an announcement expected next month.

The official reason given by Wanderers for Lederer standing down as chairman was because of “personal family matters and ever-increasing global business commitments”.

Alen Stajcic is set to become coach of the Western Sydney Wanderers Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

However, it’s understood Lederer – also a former chairman of the Australian Professional Leagues – did not support Stajcic being offered the Wanderers’ coaching job but was out-voted by the club’s other two owners, Filipino businessman Jefferson Cheng and Pirtek founder Glenn Duncan.

Cheng was instrumental in Stajcic’s appointment of coach of the Philippines national women’s team, the position he held before moving to the Glory in August last year.

Lederer’s preference had been a Dutch coach. Among the others linked to the job was former Wanderers coach Tony Popovic, who this week parted ways with Melbourne Victory.

Despite quitting as chairman, Lederer “remains committed” to the Wanderers “in perpetuity as a shareholder and club director”, according to a club statement.

Lederer’s decision to stand down has also clouded the future of Wanderers’ sporting director Eddy Bosnar, who had recommended the hiring of the Dutch coach.