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Didulica named new Victory football boss

3 minute read

Former PFA chief executive John Didulica has been named Melbourne Victory director of football as the A-League club attempts to turn its fortunes around.

Melbourne Victory have made another key appointment in their A-League rebuild, with former PFA chief executive John Didulica joining as director of football.

Didulica was previously football director at Melbourne Heart, then Melbourne City and also worked at Football Australia, before heading up the players' union for four years.

The experienced football administrator will start at Victory on July 1 - the same month new coach Tony Popovic begins his tenure at the A-League wooden-spooners.

Victory also confirmed general manager of football Drew Sherman will depart - a month after former chief executive Trent Jacobs steps down.

"JD will bring a wealth of football experience to Melbourne Victory," Victory managing director Caroline Carnegie said.

"He has worked for Football Australia, Melbourne Heart and then completed a successful four years as chief executive of the PFA. We are excited for him to bring his football and sporting expertise to the club.

"When I stepped into the role as managing director, my first strategic priority was to ensure that we had the best resources, structure and skill to support our football programs and we were single minded in our efforts to bring Didulica on board.

"Our members and fans have been amazing over a long period of time and we understand that change was required.

"Our fans deserve the very best from the club, both on and off the pitch, and we can never have another A-League season like 2020/21 - it was simply unacceptable."

Didulica will work across all of Victory's football departments, including the A-League, W-League, NPL and Academy programs.

"A strong Melbourne Victory means a strong competition and I cannot wait to work hand in hand with Caroline, Tony, the board and of course all of our staff to help deliver sustained success," Didulica said.

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