Image: Moreland Zebras
The Ballarat Red Devils have unveiled former Moreland Zebras manager Danny Gnjidic as their new head coach for the 2017 NPL2 West campaign.
The 43-year-old departed CB Smith Reserve last month after spending four years in charge of the Moreland Zebras, narrowly missing out on promotion back to the top flight in 2015.
He returns to Ballarat having previously managed the Red Devils between 2007 and 2009 and succeeds James Robinson, who has moved onto the role of Brisbane Roar Youth team coach.
Gnjidic has signed a two-year deal with the club he led to the State League Three title in 2007 before joining Werribee City in 2010 and the Zebras in 2013 subsequently.
The Red Devils finished in sixth position on the NPL2 West ladder this year, one spot behind Gnjidic’s Zebras, with his new employers set to enter the new year as a new entity which will include a name change for a club which experienced a turbulent off-season last summer.
A formidable forward in his playing days, Gnjidic made his debut in the NSL with Heidelberg United in 1992 before enjoying a distinguished playing career at VPL level with the likes of the Fawkner Blues, Springvale White Eagles and Bulleen Zebras.
He scored a double for Bulleen in the 1998 Grand Final triumph over the St Albans Saints and in 2000 was named Bill Fleming Medallist after also claiming the VPL Golden Boot that year.
The appointment leaves Dandenong Thunder and Gnjidic’s former side Moreland as the two remaining NPL2 clubs still in search for a new manager as most clubs get ready to commence their pre-season preparations next month.