The former Sydney FC defender turned down his old club, and will instead join the A-League's newest outfit as their inaugural coach on what is reportedly a long-term deal

Tony Popovic has reportedly signed a five-year deal to be the inaugural coach of the A-League's new western Sydney club - a day after spurning the interest of former club and city rivals Sydney FC.The former Australia international has informed Championship club Crystal Palace - where he has served as an assistant coach for the past season and a half - that he is set to join the fledgling club.Palace and Football Federation Australia are now in talks over compensation for Popovic's services, with the 38-year-old having to rescind his contract to take the reins of the new A-League club."I've had a conversation with him last night and they have offered him a five-year deal to go. We're trying to sort out the details," Palace co-chairman Steve Parish told the South London Press.understands Popovic informed Palace's hierarchy he would be departing before the weekend, though the club had told its supporters at Saturday's player of the year awards that he was scouting in Australia and Asia.Having spoken to both Sydney clubs, Popovic's rejection of Sydney FC's overtures meant the Sky Blues turned instead to National Youth League coach Ian Crook on Monday.

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