Mark Rudan has been confirmed as the inaugural head coach of Hyundai A-League newcomers Western United FC.

In a landmark day for the competition’s newest team, Rudan has been charged with leading the club as they prepare for their first season in the Hyundai A-League in 2019/20.

The 43-year-old takes the reins on a three-year deal after guiding Wellington Phoenix to a sixth-place finish in 2018/19 and their first Finals Series appearance in four years.



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It was Rudan’s first coaching gig in the Hyundai A-League and he oversaw an incredible upturn in fortunes for a side that has struggled in recent seasons.

He turned the Phoenix into one of the most entertaining teams in the competition, ultimately resulting in striker Roy Krishna winning the prestigious Johnny Warren Medal as the competition’s best player.

But living in New Zealand and away from his family proved too much for Rudan, who decided to return to Australia and now has now found a home with Western United FC.



And he joins a club that is well on its way to being a success in their first season, with 16 players already recruited for their inaugural campaign in the competition.

Among the players on the books at United are Greek international Panagiotis Kone, Caltex Socceroos defender Josh Risdon, ex-Australia striker Scott McDonald and Turkey international defender Ersan Gulum.

Western United have already appointed John Hutchinson and John Anastasiadis as assistant coaches to Rudan.