Macarthur FC coach Mile Sterjovski has boosted his coaching ranks with the appointment of former Socceroo Jacob Burns as his assistant coach.
The 44-year-old from South West Sydney returns home after spending nine years coaching and working as a director of football in Western Australia.
“It’s a great honour to join the coaching staff here at the Bulls. I have spent many years playing with Mile and I’m proud to now have the opportunity to coach alongside him in my hometown,” Burns said.
“I grew up in South West Sydney and know all too well how important football is to our community. I played all my youth football here and now I want to play my part in helping the next generation of players from the region reach the highest level.”
As a player, Burns reached the English Premier League with Leeds United, having also played with Barnsley, Wisla Krakow in Poland and Romanian club Unirea Urziceni. Before moving to Europe, the combative midfielder played with Sydney United and Parramatta Power before finishing his career with Perth Glory where he won the Joe Marston medal in 2012.Since hanging-up his boots in 2014, Burns coached Perth Glory’s youth team before working his way up to football director of the club.
“Jacob will bring a lot of energy to the club. He has a deep knowledge of the game from his experience playing for the national team and in Europe,” Sterjovski said.
“He compliments my approach tactically. He’s very strong-minded and disciplined which will be a major asset to the team.”
Burns, who holds a pro-coaching licence, will start with the team on Monday February 13.
“We are delighted to have Jacob join our coaching staff,” Macarthur FC chief executive Sam Krslovic said.
“He had a great career as a player and has a wealth of experience in football which will add a lot of value to our club.”
