The Western Sydney Wanderers have announced that former player Dean Heffernan will manage the side in Season 12 of the W-League.
In a coaching shake-up, Heffernan will be joined in the technical box by inaugural Wanderers captain Michael Beauchamp, while current assistant coach Catherine Cannuli retains her role for another season.
Heffernan’s appointment sees the end of Dan Barrett’s one year tenure at the club following a disappointing 2018/19 season, with the club finishing ninth.
“As a club we would like to thank Dan for his contribution, he is a great person and we wish him the best of luck in the future,” said Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas.
“Dean, Cath and Michael know this club intimately and know what it takes at the highest level of the game.
“We want to give our Westfield W-League team every opportunity to succeed on and off the pitch, as athletes and as individuals.”
As a player, Heffernan made over 100 appearances in the A-League, and as a coach led the Wanderers U20s team in the NPL2. He was also previously an assistant coach with last season’s Foxtel Y-League team that reached the grand final for its second consecutive season.
“It is a honour and privilege to be given this opportunity to work with the Wanderers Westfield W-League team,” said Heffernan.
“Having played and coached at this club already I know the desire for success that exists in our club and our membership and fanbase.
“With Cath and Michael we have a group of people that not only have played at the elite level but have also progressed through the youth development coaching pathway and understand the culture and expectation of this club.”
Cannuli will continue to developing her impressive coaching credentials as assistant coach along with her role as Women’s Technical Director at Southern Districts Football Association.
Wanderers W-League assistant coach Cath Cannuli said she was excited for the season ahead.
“I have been with the Wanderers for many years now and the work happening on and off the pitch is impressive,” said Cannuli.
“With our new training facility in Blacktown and games to be played at Bankwest Stadium and Marconi Stadium we’ll have the best facilities in the league and a great opportunity ahead of us.”
