Wollongong coach bows out just after leading team to grand final win
Rob Jonovski has resigned as Wollongong United's head coach just days after winning the PL1 grand final.
The 50-year-old left his role at the Illawarra club just days after guiding them to a thrilling grand final victory late last month. Jonovski spent three years building Wollongong into one of the region's most successful teams, winning a minor-premiership, a cup, and making multiple grand final runs.
Jonovski also led them on a giant-killing Australia Cup run that captured national attention. Jonovski said he needed a break after 11 consecutive seasons of coaching.
"It was tough walking away from the boys; I'm pretty attached to that squad," he said. "We've been in the biggest games on offer, not only locally, but in the Australia Cup as well."
The club's president thanked Jonovski for the positive impact. Andrew Paine, most recently at South Coast Flame, will take over.
- Rob Jonovski, aged 50
- Coach
- Wollongong United FC, Illawarra
- Club
- Three years
- Tenure
- Andrew Paine, from South Coast Flame
- Replacement
Why it mattersWollongong United loses one of its most successful coaches, but the timing, right after a grand final win, lets him step away on a high.
AustraliaThe Illawarra football community loses a coach who lifted their club onto the national stage after years in relative obscurity.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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