Photo: Anita Milas/Just Shoot
Nik Kovacevic has departed his role as head coach of NPL2 East outfit Springvale White Eagles to take up a role as assistant coach at Pascoe Vale.
It marks a return to the club he last worked with in 2015, where he took up a role as Under 20’s manager following a largely successful stint at Fitzroy City.
Kovacevic secured a move to Springvale mid-way through the 2016 NPL2 East season to take up a role as senior head coach.
His tenure at the helm at White Eagles Stadium lasted just seven months, but in that time, he was able to overhaul an underperforming squad vacated by Boyan Mitkov in early April.
The former White Eagles club captain led his side from third last to the ladder to as high as fourth after claiming five straight victories to begin his tenure.
Form stagnated over the second half of the season, but the club showed plenty of fight throughout under his guidance, to finish four points short of third in an NPL-high sixth-placed finish for the club.
Earlier in his coaching career, Kovacevic had led Fitzroy to two promotions in his time as senior coach in a five-year stint at the helm, before initially joining Paco in 2014.
Springvale have further reshuffled their coaching staff, with former South Melbourne assistant coach Brian McNichol moving into a role as U18’s coach.
The Scottish-born former NSL midfielder has spent time at the helm of North Coburg and Berwick City, as well as spending time as assistant manager at Dandenong Thunder.
The club have also added former Bentleigh Greens youth coach Artour Kirichian to their backroom coaching staff.