Diles departs for overseas opportunity

FROM FOOTBALLER TO BAKER (1)

Western Sydney Wanderers FC have confirmed the departure of Wanderers Academy first grade head coach Arthur Diles who leaves for an overseas opportunity. 

A former player, Diles plied his trade for clubs including Sydney Olympic, Sydney United and Parramatta Power in the National Soccer League, Crawley Town in England and Belgium’s KV Mechelen.

Diles joined the Wanderers in 2015 after a successful stint as Technical Director of Sydney Olympic.

Having first taken charge of the Wanderers U18s side, Diles guided the youngsters to a championship before repeating the feat as head coach of the Red & Black’s U20s and Foxtel Y-League sides.

Diles, alongside Academy Technical Director Ian Crook, over the last five years has helped over 30 players progress from the Wanderers Academy to the Hyundai A-League first team.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas thanked Arthur for his contribution to the club.

“Arthur has been with us since the inception of the Wanderers Academy and has been instrumental in helping us create a pathway from the U13s up to the Hyundai A-League first team,” said Tsatsimas.

“We wish Arthur all the best in his new coaching appointment overseas.”

Wanderers Academy Technical Director Ian Crook said Arthur will be sorely missed and difficult to replace.

“Arthur always put the players and their development first, which made him the perfect fit for the Wanderers Academy when we appointed him back in 2015,” said Crook.

“His value to our first grade and senior teams is undisputed and he will be missed by the players, support staff and coaches at the Wanderers Academy.

“We wish him all the best in his next coaching stint and will be supporting him from afar.”