Coaches for both Box Hill United and Keilor United have been announced ahead of next year’s WNPL, with former FC Bulleen Lions boss Bob McGuinness and ex-Bundoora United coach Mark Torcaso to head the two sides in 2016.
McGuinness was at the helm of Bulleen for two and a half years, helping steer his former side to safety in their first year in the top-flight, before leading his charges to a finals spot and Cup triumph in 2014.
2015 was a tougher ask as his side struggled for consistency on their way to a seventh placed finish in the league, although they showed potential with some brilliant attacking football.
This season also saw McGuinness oversee a 5-3 Team App Cup Final defeat to Boroondara Eagles in a season that ultimately failed to live up to expectations.
He’ll lead Box Hill United next year – one of the three teams to continue on in the top-flight under their current branding – with club stalwart and Melbourne Victory stopper Melissa Barbieri tipped to help in a assistant coaching capacity.
Keilor United will be under the stewardship of long-serving Bundoora coach Mark Torcaso for next season, as he makes the short trip west to front his new side.
The announcement makes him the first of the newly founded clubs to formally announce a coach, with the three foundation members’ staff already settled for next season.
Heidelberg United and Bill Mihaloudis will continue on with their partnership in 2016, while Bulleen Lions will he headed by former men’s assistant coach Ricardo Martinez.