Image: Mark Avellino
Brian Vanega will replace Paul Donnelly at Richmond SC with his former club Green Gully announcing his departure.
Vanega most notably was elevated from his role as U20s coach at Gully to senior caretaker while head coach Arthur Papas spent time at Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq as assistant.
The 32-year-old former VPL player proved himself a popular figure at the helm and embarked on a successful run, losing just once in his 13 games in charge.
He’ll be charged with a much more difficult task, however, as Richmond’s struggles continue in the second tier with relegation a potential threat.
Despite being moments away from pulling off one of the biggest upsets of the NPL2 season against Dandenong Thunder, Richmond sit second last in the East, just one point above cellar dwellers Eastern Lions in what has been a difficult campaign since the club’s relegation from the top flight in 2016.
Donnelly was appointed for the 2017 season after predecessor Rick Mensink’s departure following the club’s relegation, with the 46-year-old Scot having a strong record of promotions at North Sunshine Eagles before a stint at Cairnlea.
His record sits at three wins, four draws and eight defeats in 15 games.
Vanega told Green Gully’s media: “It’s been fantastic and exactly what I needed as a coach. The club has been so supportive of what I needed to do the job, as both u20s and senior coach. Thanks to the board and management office for the opportunity, Arthur, the coaching, medical and support staff, who have been supportive from when I was 20s coach and who invested time in me to help with what I needed, and in making sure we worked together and that we moved in the one direction in both the 20s and senior team.”
“The role at Richmond is another challenge, and I’m excited by it. I enjoyed my time coaching at Gully, I learnt a lot and it’s a big challenge and I know I will learn a lot more from this next step.”
Vanega’s challenge will immediately be made all the more difficult with the departure of one of the club’s best players in Gonzalo Freddi, who leaves midway through the season to join Murray United, a club which is pushing the top two for a spot in a breakout season for the regional club.
The 24-year-old Argentine leaves after five goals in 15 games, with the forward also enjoying a successful stint at fellow NPL2 side Dandenong City prior to that, netting 11 goals in 27 league games.