The Bentleigh Greens have announced Riccardo Marchioli as their new Senior Men's Head Coach following their slow start to the season.
Marchioli arrives at the club from A-League club Newcastle Jets, where he was assistant coach to Arthur Papas, a role he took on after a successful period as the Jets A-League youth head coach. He has also previously held roles at Melbourne Victory within their A-Leagues Men’s Football department and as head coach at NPL2 outfit Brunswick City.
Marchioli said he was equally "humbled and excited" to be joining a genuine football powerhouse.
"It’s a great challenge," he told the Bentleigh Greens website.
"I bring a clear idea of how I want to play and where success comes from, and I look forward to my first session, where we can start taking positive steps forward.
“If we focus on getting better every day and playing our football, then we will have success, and we will create some special memories together.”
Newcastle Jets Executive Chairman Shane Mattiske was full of praise for Marchioli following his appointment at the Greens.
“Riccardo has made a very significant contribution to this club in his time here – within the first team, the academy and in coaching the youth team to a championship win," Mattiske said in a club statement.
“He’s also been a great contributor to the culture of the club, and I know that anyone who has worked alongside Riccardo will be the better for it.
“I know our player group thinks very highly of Riccardo and will miss his guidance and support moving forward.
“We wish Riccardo well in this new challenge back in his hometown of Melbourne.”
After falling to their sixth straight loss to start the 2023 season, former Head Coach Petr Tichy offered his resignation, acknowledging the club needed a change in direction.
Marchioli's first game in charge will be against St Albans this Friday night at Kingston Heath.