Western Sydney Wanderers FC have confirmed that Hyundai A-League assistant coach Patrick Zwaanswijk will take the reigns of the club’s National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s first grade team for the remainder of the season.

Zwaanswijk joined the Wanderers Hyundai A-League coaching set-up at the start of September and has been tasked with creating a stronger pathway between the Wanderers Academy and first-team structure.

The former AFC Ajax youth product will coach the side in the club’s first season in the NPL top tier where they have already taken on some of the heavyweights of the competition.

Zwaanswijk will be supported by Wanderers assistant coach Labinot Haliti who will assist at training sessions.

Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said the role is a fantastic opportunity for Patrick to build relationships with the Wanderers Academy coaches, players and support staff.

“The role is a great opportunity for Patrick to get to know and work with our next generation of Wanderers ahead of the A-League season,” said Tsatsimas.

“Patrick has been given the task of streamlining our Academy to first team pathway and over the next few weeks he will be able to identify talent and support our first grade team.”

Wanderers Academy Technical Director Ian Crook said Patrick is a fantastic role model for the youngsters.

“Patrick has been in the shoes of these players and will be able to shape our Wanderers into leaders both on and off the field,” said Crook.

“Patrick is a fantastic role model and I’m excited to see what he and Labinot can bring to the team.”

Zwaanswijk said he was looking forward to supporting the first grade team in any way that he can.

“For me, it’s great to see the players in games and training, so I am looking forward to supporting them where I can and to be able to assess their strengths and weaknesses,” said Zwaanswijk.

“I am looking forward to guiding and mentoring the team where possible in this short period.”

Zwaanswijk replaces former coach Arthur Diles who departed the club for Greek Second Division outfit SKODA Xanthi where it is believed he will be the assistant to former Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic.

The Red & Black will take on Rockdale Ilinden this Sunday afternoon at Iliden Sports Centre in Zwaanswijk’s first match in charge.

One of Western Sydney Wanderers’ exciting young prospects, 20-year-old attacker Rory Jordan is really enjoying the experience playing in NSW’s top tier Men’s competition as he and his teammates continue to further develop as professional footballers for the future.

After four rounds, Jordan has managed to hit the back of the net twice, once against APIA Leichhardt FC in Round 3 and the other last Saturday against the Marconi Stallions as well as pulling together some decent displays which has attracted a number of suitors keen on seeing what else the young gun has to offer.

“The season so far has had its challenges, but I think that we should take that as a positive.

“Playing against men in the top tier of the NPL is by no means an easy feat, most of these players have years of experience playing at this level and some in the A-League so I think it’s a good challenge for us as young players hoping to come through as well as assisting with our development as footballers.

“Personally I feel like I’m settling in well in the NPL NSW Men’s competition so far, scoring two goals in the past couple of weeks has really helped with my confidence.

“I definitely think that my goals have come down to the coaching staff and players.

“We’re constantly pushing ourselves week in week out at training. We’re always working on drills in front of goal and being creative and as a player, that’s gives me the green light to go forward without any second thoughts which every attacker wants.”

The former Kellyville Kolts junior had nothing but praise for the Wanderers’ up and coming coach in Arthur Diles, whom he believes has really gotten the best out of the squad.

“I think Arthur’s resume speaks for itself, he’s a top coach with heaps of experience and a wealth of knowledge about the game.

“As a former player, I think it helps him better understand us as players because he’s been in our shoes before.

“Not only does he try to get the best out of us as players but he also strives to help us become better people off the field which most coaches don’t, so I think that separates him from other coaches for sure.”

With the Wanderers’ senior season in the A-League all but complete, a couple of its familiar rising stars with senior contracts such as Tass Mourdoukoutas and Kostas Grozos to name a few have joined Diles’ NPL squad for the remainder of the season – something Jordan believes has only benefited the entire team.

“The team obviously gets stronger with the additions of the young boys coming down from the first team. We’re all familiar with each other and know how each other play because we’ve come up together with the NYL squad.

“Not only are they bringing quality down with them, but they’re also giving us some experience and some extra leadership which is a big help at NPL level.”

Asked what his goals and objectives were both individually and as a team, the rapid future star stated the following to Football NSW.

“Individually, I want to see myself stay consistent and help the team as much as I can to win – as well as growing and developing as a player and person.

“As a team, I think we just want to win.

“We’ve been playing some really good football in patches and I think we’re heading in the right direction.”

Searching for their maiden NPL NSW Men’s victory, round 5 features the young Wanderers travelling to Popondetta Park on Saturday evening where they’ll be facing an upbeat Mt Druitt Town Rangers side, fresh from a thrilling 4-3 shock victory over Sydney United 58 last weekend.

“This weekend is a huge game for us.

“We’re excited to play as always and itching for our first win.

“It’s going to be a tough game like all games are, but we’re confident in our ability and what we are working on at training will come off in achieving a positive result.”

You can watch Jordan and co exclusively this Saturday at 7pm LIVE and exclusive only on NPL.TV.

It’s a huge week for 19-year-old up and coming Western Sydney Wanderers youngster Dean Pelekanos as he and his red and black teammates face rivals Sydney FC in the opening National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s match of the newly rebooted season this Sunday at the Ilinden Sports Centre.

“Playing Sydney FC in the first round will definitely make us a lot hungrier to start the season off with a win.

“It is always a real challenge especially versing our rivals, but we will be up to the task especially after the previous NYL season, we are looking for revenge.

“Our squad is looking really good. Physically we have improved a lot this season and our mentality to want the most from each other has also improved. We have a great bunch of lads who are willing to give it their all for each other on the pitch.”

The defensive midfielder understands the importance of being part of the NPL NSW’s top tier competition albeit for this season only as he and his fellow Wanderers teammates hope to further develop and improve as footballers moving forward.

“I honestly think being part of the top tier NPL NSW Men’s competition is very important as it will help us develop a lot faster as players.

“Being amongst quality teams will force us to step our game up and we will need to hold our own.

“It’s also a step closer towards A-League and will help the boys understand what it takes to play at a high and intense level against senior footballers week in week out.

“Our objective this season is to keep to our style of play, regardless of who we are versing.

“Our coach (Arthur Diles) has made it very clear to us that we will not change the way we play for any opponent.

“We also we want to keep our standards high and never let them drop, we will go into every game wanting to win.”

The Diles coached side will certainly be one to watch during this NPL NSW Men’s season as joining Pelekanos will be the likes of Wanderers players that have already tasted senior A-League football with Mohamed Adam, Kosta Grozos, Tate Russell, Tass Mourdoukoutas and Jordan O’Doherty ready for action.

Pelekanos himself is hoping he too can push for a maiden senior Wanderers appearance as the former Blacktown City junior has been named on the bench three times during this A-League season.

“I was lucky enough to be on the bench for three games at the start of the year for the first team, unfortunately I haven’t made an appearance yet but I am confident in my ability and will be striving to earn a debut for the first team soon.”

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