Proud Blacktown boy, Hayden Foxe says he’s humbled after being appointed the Wanderers new caretaker head coach following the departure of Tony Popovic this week.
Foxe has been part of the Wanderers family since 2015 and is a Western Sydney local, having started his football career with Blacktown City Demons before moving to Ajax in 1995 where his reputation as a gifted defender began.
Foxe’s interests in coaching and developing youth saw him take the reigns of Melbourne Heart’s youth team in 2012 before being promoted to assistant coach of the first team in 2013.
The former defender has had a wealth of experience as both a player and coach and says that it is a privilege to be named the head caretaker coach of the Wanderers.
“I’ve had quite a bit of experience now as a number two, down in Melbourne for a couple of seasons, and this is my fourth season with the Wanderers and I’ve learnt immensely about what this club stands for,” said Foxe.
“I grew up in the area, so it’s a privilege and an honour to be associated with this club and to be head of the organisation in a football sense for the next few weeks.
“We just carry on with the job at hand and get all three points against Perth Glory over the weekend.”
Foxe ensures that it will be an easy and seamless transition for the players who have been under Foxe’s tutelage for the last fifteen weeks of the pre-season.
“Nothing changes, we’ve had 15 weeks of strenuous hard-work and the players have been waiting for these moments where we are week out from the season.
“Football always gives you surprises and the boys are very resilient in what they can control.
“They can’t control outside influences and they’re ready to go this weekend.
“Mediocracy is not a standard this club accepts, the hard expectations come with hard work and that comes through the gates here at Blacktown.
“We expect nothing but a real passion and a love for the club, to go and be the best every day and that doesn’t change.”
Watch the Western Sydney Wanderers take on Perth Glory in Round 1 of the Hyundai A-League here.
