The Western Sydney Wanderers have extended the contract of their men's head coach Mark Rudan.
Despite only joining the club at the end of January, Rudan will remain as the Wanderers' coach until the end of the 2023/24 season.
The 46-year-old was initially contracted until the end of the current A-League Men season but has now been backed long-term by the club's board.
Rudan notably played for the Wanderers' local rivals Sydney FC during his playing career, captaining the club regularly between 2005 and 2007.
He has also been inducted into the Sky Blues' hall of fame.
In a statement following the contract extension announcement on Friday, Rudan acknowledged the major challenges that lie ahead.
“I am extremely proud and honoured to take this club forward into a new era, and I am under no illusion how big a job this is going to be,” Rudan said.
“We need to build a team, together, that is representative of the fans. What the fans do to make this club special doesn’t go unnoticed.
"I want to give them something that when they turn up they are proud of the team that plays for them, proud of a team from the West.
“I am committed to raising the standards we set across the entire football department. We want to build a team with fight, hunger and grit.
"This is personal for me as someone from the area; to create a winning mentality and an environment that is going to make players grow and learn is very important."
Under Rudan, the Wanderers have played six A-League Men games - winning two and losing four.
They are currently sitting in tenth spot on the A-League Men ladder, six points away from qualifying for the finals.
Wanderers Chairman Paul Lederer explained why Rudan has been supported the club's board.
“We have seen in only four short weeks the increased effort and energy Mark has brought to this playing group and staff, and we look forward to giving him the opportunity to shape this squad over the coming seasons,” Lederer said.
“The club has some impressive talent in the Academy that has seen their first minutes of Isuzu UTE A-League action already under Mark and this is a positive step in our future.
“I have a lot of faith in Mark, that is why we have given him direct control of the football department to help shape it into a team that will fight for this club, this region and most importantly for our members and fans.
“Mark is from the West, he is passionate about the West and he knows how hard the people of the West work which is something he brings to this football club – hard work, determination and fight.”
