Former Socceroos great Luke Wilkshire will become the new Wollongong Wolves coach from next season as part of a massive revamp at the top of the NSW National Premier League club.
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The Mercury understands the 36-year-old will take over the reigns from Jacob Timpano, who opted to step down from the role at the end of the NSW NPL season after three and a half years in charge.
It will be Wilkshire's first head coaching job after spending more than 20 years plying his trade throughout England, The Netherlands, Russia and Australia.
The Albion Park product spent last season playing with the Wolves after joining the club in March from A-League powerhouse Sydney FC. He is set to be assisted by former Leeds United and Sunderland striker Michael Bridges.
Bridges has previously coached the Newcastle Jets youth team as well as filling an assistant coaching role for the club’s A-League side.
Grant Barlow will come aboard as part of the club’s strength and conditioning staff.
With the Wolves taking no part in the finals, Wilkshire’s first job will undoubtedly be recruitment.
The defender, who is also playing a part in the club’s bid to be included in the A-League, won’t lace up the boots again in 2019 while several other key first graders are expected to take the exit door.
Former Mariners midfielder Nick Montgomery as well as Japanese duo Yuzo Tashiro and Takuya Nozawa are all expected to depart the club.
Star attacker Josh MacDonald has already left after penning a deal with Central Coast for the upcoming A-League season.
Meanwhile, Timpano is expected to remain at the club.
He will more than likely continue to work with the Wolves’ SAP programs.
