The Western Sydney Wanderers are proud to announce the appointment of Dan Barrett as head coach of the Wanderers’ Westfield W-League team for the 2018/19 season.
The Western Sydney Wanderers are proud to announce the appointment of Dan Barrett as head coach of the Wanderer’s Westfield W-League team for the 2018/19 season.
A Bankstown boy, Barrett played in the Bankstown and Canterbury region during his youth before turning his hand to coaching rising up the ranks in Western Sydney and then on NSW’s central coast.
A respected and well credentialed coach, Barrett has a wealth of coaching experience in the women’s game, most recently as Head of Female Performance at the Central Coast Mariners.
Barrett, who was mentored by current Westfield Matildas coach Alen Stajcic, has had five years’ experience coaching in the Westfield W-League – two as assistant and three as a head coach.
Barrett said he was passionate and focused on the women’s game and looked forward to bringing a strong competitive edge to his team this season.
“One motivation for me coming to the Wanderers is it’s where I came from and I want to see the Wanderers be successful,” said Barrett.
“I want to bring a real steel to this side, I want to make sure that teams don’t like playing us. That’s going to be the most important thing, and that we win games, because that’s what this competition is all about.
“I’ve always been in finals; that’s a record I’d like to keep, that’s just something that I always set for myself: number one finishing in the top four and then look to go beyond that.
“The plans are set and we just need to get on the park now and start putting things together to have a successful run.”
Barrett was buoyant about the quality and strength of the league and looked forward to making his mark on the Wanderers playing squad and the league this season.
“The league keeps getting stronger and stronger each year and I’m not even just talking about the quality of players being brought into the league but the quality of coaching as well,” continued Barrett.
“It’s a real tactical contest each week and you’ve really got to do your homework on your opposition and it’s really important that you have a side with good players in it.
“I guess for me it is always a tough league and that’s where I relish, that’s where I do my best stuff.”
Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas said the appointment marked a new chapter in the history of the club’s Wander women.
“We have had a strong focus on our Westfield W-League team since our inception and with the appointment of Dan we look forward to continuing the growth and development of our program,” said Tsatsimas.
“Dan’s deep knowledge of the women’s game and his connection and history in Western Sydney makes him the perfect fit for this club.
“We welcome Dan and look forward to supporting him for a successful season in the Westfield W-League.”
