Canberra FC last week confirmed that Dean Ugrinic will take over the reigns as the club’s National Premier League men’s coach in season 2020.
The decision comes following a campaign in which Canberra FC, despite reaching the semi-finals and Federation Cup Final, failed to back up their incredible treble winning season of 2018.
Ugrinic is a former head coach of the Canberra United NYL team, having mentored the squad in 2018/19, and has built an impressive resume working alongside other NPL sides in the region.
The veteran coach has won titles with Belconnen United and the O’Connor Knights, and also led Woden to their first NPL finals appearance back in 2013.
Speaking about his appointment, Ugrinic says he is looking forward to the opportunity to work with Canberra FC.
“I’m looking forward to reuniting with the club, this time as its head coach,” Ugrinic said.
“The prospect of guiding a club that has produced exceptional talent over its 60-year history, and building on the work from last season with some of the best local talent, is exciting to say the least.”
Ugrinic is one of a number of coaching appointments that have taken place in the weeks following the NPL season.
Belconnen United recently announced that former Canberra FC coach Paul Macor will take over their head coaching role next season. Macor was in charge in Deakin’s treble winning year in 2018 and, having already signed Kofi Danning, will be looking to bring the same success to McKellar Park in 2020.
Meanwhile, Ulisses da Silva has been unveiled as Woden-Weston FC’s head coach for next season, while Robbie Cattanach will take over from the legendary Frank Cachia at Canberra Olympic.