Western Sydney Wanderers FC

Summary

Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club (colloquially known as Western Sydney, or simply as Wanderers) is an Australian professional soccer club based in the Western Sydney region of Sydney, New South Wales. It competes in the country's premier competition, the A-League, under licence from the Australian Professional Leagues (APL). formerly under licence by the Football Federation Australia (FFA).[1] The club had established itself as a major force in both Australia and Asia, having won one A-Leagues Premiership and an AFC Champions League title in its history.

Western Sydney Wanderers
Full nameWestern Sydney Wanderers Football Club
Nickname(s)Wanderers, WSW, Western Sydney
Short nameWSW
Founded4 April 2012; 11 years ago (2012-04-04)
GroundCommBank Stadium
Capacity30,000
OwnerPaul Lederer, Jefferson Cheng, Glenn Duncan
ChairmanPaul Lederer
ManagerMarko Rudan
LeagueA-League Men
2022–234th of 12
WebsiteClub website
Current season

Formed in April 2012 by FFA, Wanderers was established with a strong community focus. A series of community forums across Western Sydney helped choose the club's name and colours, as well as its culture and playing style. The club's record-breaking inaugural season won them an A-League premiership and saw the club reach the 2013 A-League Grand Final. The club followed that up by contesting the 2014 A-League Grand Final and securing second place in their second season of the league. The club was also crowned Asian champions in their Champions League debut season, becoming the first, and so far only, Australian side to win the tournament.

The club is run from a facility based in Blacktown, and currently plays matches at Western Sydney Stadium. Their foundation home ground of Parramatta Stadium was closed & demolished in 2017 as part of process for building the new stadium. An academy youth team competes in the National Youth League and the National Premier Leagues NSW. A women's team competes in the W-League. The youth and women's matches are played at various locations across Western Sydney, including Marconi Stadium, Campbelltown Stadium and Cook Park. The club also has a Powerchair Football team which competes in the NSW Western Division Powerchair Football League, with matches played at Football NSW Headquarters.

History edit

Origins edit

Western Sydney continues to be an important region for FFA. It is the heartland of football in NSW, it is one of the most popular football regions in the country, and we've always said we've wanted to have an A-League team to represent the Western Sydney region.

— FFA CEO Ben Buckley on the prospect of a club, September 2009.[2]

The Western Sydney region was regarded as a potential location for one of the founding A-League clubs in 2005, originally intended to be the base for Sydney FC. When Sydney FC put forward their bid to participate in the inaugural A-League season, Football NSW (which backed the bid) desired for the club's home ground to be Parramatta Stadium in Western Sydney.[3] Though after winning the A-League licence, Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman Frank Lowy forced a number of changes to the bid. The main of these were in moving the club to Sydney Football Stadium in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney and simultaneously reducing Football NSW's involvement from 100 to 25 percent.[3] Frank Lowy's son, David Lowy, was also installed as a major investor.[3] In response, Football NSW made the decision to pull out its involvement with Sydney FC amid claims the A-League club had become a "plaything" for Frank Lowy and his family.[3] Football NSW stated its dislike of Lowy's autocratic style in establishing the club and the perceived lack of consultation on key club issues.[3][4] An unsuccessful bid named "Sydney Blues", which had proposed to play at the Sydney Football Stadium was the only other Sydney-based bid.[5] Sydney FC entered the A-League with a five-year city exclusivity deal as part of the league's "one-city, one-team" policy, preventing the establishment of another Sydney-based club until the deal expired.[6]

By 2008, as the five-year deal wound to its conclusion, FFA announced its intention to expand the A-League, with a second Sydney-based club a favourable option.[7] FFA received 10 expressions of interest, two of which from potential Western Sydney based teams.[8] Despite the unsuccessful attempt to establish a Western Sydney-based team in the form of Sydney Rovers (due to financial and technical reasons),[9] FFA were still strongly committed in pursuing a club in the region.[10]

Foundations edit

The catalyst for the formation of the Western Sydney Wanderers was FFA revoking Gold Coast United's A-League licence on 29 February 2012. After a series of running battles between FFA and Clive Palmer – owner of Gold Coast United, over topics such as crowd control, stadium attendance capacities and breaches of A-League regulations.[11] The loss of Gold Coast United brought the league down to nine clubs, one fewer than what FFA needed for their upcoming television rights negotiations.[12]

On 4 April 2012, then FFA CEO Ben Buckley announced the creation of "New Sydney Club" based in the city's west to play in the A-League.[13] The new club would be set up to compete in the 2012–13 season, though despite several attempts by FFA to find a backer to own and run the club no individual owner or consortium of owners decided to take on the new Sydney club.[14] With the October deadline approaching, FFA decided to push through the club by taking on the ownership role themselves.[15] This was helped by securing $4 million from the Australian Government in a grant for the creation and ongoing costs of the club.[16]

As notable Australian soccer players Scott Chipperfield, Tim Cahill and Lucas Neill expressed their support for the Western Sydney-based club,[17] so did the local soccer community, with FFA holding supporter forums in Mount Pritchard, Parramatta, Rooty Hill, Penrith, Castle Hill, Campbelltown and Bankstown, where community members discussed such topics as the club's values and culture, playing style, home ground, and proposed names and colours.[18][19][20] Following the community forums, FFA launched an online survey to decide on various options for the new club.[21] It covered similar aspects of culture, location, team colour and playing style. A final survey was later launched with a specific focus on the club's colours and name. Options for team colours were black and red, black and white, and red, white and black. Options for the team name were Athletic, Wanderers, Wolves, Strikers and Rangers.[22]

 
The first three signed players (Mooy, Elrich and Appiah) at the club's launch

On 17 May 2012, former A-League head Lyall Gorman was appointed chairman of the as yet unnamed club.[23] Tony Popovic was also announced as the inaugural head coach of the Western Sydney team. Popovic joined the club after requesting to be released from the final year of his contracted role as assistant coach of Crystal Palace, after ending talks with both A-League Sydney clubs and stating his desire to build a club from scratch as an opportunity he could not pass up. Popovic signed with the Western Sydney team to take the helm for four seasons.[24] On 22 May 2012, Popovic's close friend Ante Milicic also joined the club as assistant coach.[25]

On 25 June 2012, the official club name, logo and colours were formally announced.[26] The name "Western Sydney Wanderers FC" was officially released, as was the club logo, the home playing strip, the home ground (Parramatta Stadium) and the first three signed players: Aaron Mooy, Tarek Elrich and Kwabena Appiah.[27] The name 'Wanderers' had been an overwhelming favourite among fans and community groups, with it also paying homage to Wanderers F.C., the first registered soccer club in Australia, who played in the area in 1880.[28]

Popovic era edit

Inaugural season edit

With the start of Western Sydney Wanderers' first season approaching, Tony Popovic was charged with putting together a competitive squad for the 2012–13 A-League, which would be the team's only competition of the season. The squad was made up of relative unknowns, though included former Japan international and Asian Footballer of the Year Shinji Ono, as well as Jérome Polenz, Mateo Poljak, Youssouf Hersi, Iacopo La Rocca and Dino Kresinger.[29] On 6 October 2012, Western Sydney Wanderers played their first competitive match of any kind against reigning A-League Premiers Central Coast Mariners in the first round of the league. The match ended in a 0–0 draw.[30] It took the team a further three weeks, until the fourth round of the league to win their first competitive match of any kind; after two consecutive losses, one of which the first Sydney Derby, the encounter against reigning A-League Champions Brisbane Roar ended 0–1 in favour of Wanderers, with Mark Bridge netting the club's first competitive goal after the team failed to score in their opening three games.[31]

A slow start into the team's first season soon turned positive as Western Sydney Wanderers quickly emerged as one of the leading soccer clubs in Australia.[32] A historic record-breaking season in the league saw the club break an all-time Australian national league record and win their first A-League Premiership after topping the A-League table through a record-undefeated streak, which included 10 straight wins.[33][34] This feat gained the club direct qualification into the 2014 AFC Champions League, as well as a place in the A-League finals series. A 2–0 win against Brisbane Roar in the semi-finals of the finals series lead the club to the 2013 A-League Grand Final, which on 21 April 2013, Wanderers eventually lost 0–2 to Central Coast Mariners at a sold out Sydney Football Stadium.[35] The success of the club's first season was pitted on first-time coach Popovic who had built the team from its foundations in the space of only five months.[36] Popovic was awarded A-League Coach of the Year and goalkeeper Ante Covic Goalkeeper of the Year.[37] The club's inaugural success, both on and off the field, sparked much interest worldwide, though most notably within Australia, where soccer has often struggled to gain mainstream interest.[38]

2013–14 season edit

The club's second season saw Brendon Santalab and Australian international Matthew Špiranović join the team.[39] Wanderers held second position behind Brisbane Roar throughout the majority of the season despite criticism over the team's squad rotation policy which Popovic implemented with consideration to the AFC Champions League and the short turnaround between matches.[40] On 26 February 2014, the club made their Champions League debut against Ulsan Hyundai. A goal within the first minute of the match by Santalab was cancelled out as the South Korean side scored three unanswered goals to win the match.[41] Nevertheless, the team eventually finished top in their group to progress to the Round of 16.[42] After finishing runners-up in the 2013–14 A-League season, Wanderers secured direct qualification into the 2015 AFC Champions League, as well as a place in the A-League finals series. A 2–0 win against Central Coast Mariners in the semi-finals of the finals series on 26 April 2014, saw the team progress to their second A-League Grand Final in as many seasons.[43] On 4 May 2014, Western Sydney Wanderers competed against Brisbane Roar in the 2014 A-League Grand Final at a sold out Lang Park. 10,000 Wanderers supporters travelled north for the occasion,[44] but after taking the lead through a header from Špiranović the team failed to hold the lead late in the game, later letting slip the A-League Championship during extra time.[45] Following the loss, the team was forced a quick turnaround for their home and final leg of the Champions League Round of 16 – a home and away series against Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Despite being down 3–1 on aggregate, the team managed to overturn the result and win 2–0 to progress to the quarter-finals in what was Ono's, Hersi's, Polenz's and inaugural captain Michael Beauchamp's final match for the club.[46]

We were called a small club yesterday. Today we are the biggest in Asia.

 — Tony Popovic on winning the 2014 AFC Champions League, November 2014.[47]

2014–15 season edit

 
Western Sydney Wanderers supporters celebrating win in Asian Champions League

Prior to the 2014–15 season, the club signed Brazilian midfielder Vítor Saba, as well as Seyi Adeleke, Dutch international Romeo Castelen and Australian international Nikita Rukavytsya.[48] On 12 August 2014, Western Sydney Wanderers competed against Adelaide City in the first round of the inaugural season of the FFA Cup.[49] The match ended 1–0 in favour to Adelaide City, with Wanderers becoming the first professional club to lose to a semi-professional side in the competition.[50]

Asian Champions League title edit

The Cup loss was directly followed by Wanderers' continued campaign in the 2014 AFC Champions League; as due to the calendar format of the Asian tournament, the quarter-finals – a home and away series against Guangzhou Evergrande, resumed after a three-month break.[51] The first match was won by Wanderers 1–0, and a 2–1 loss in the second leg was enough to see the club progress to the semi-finals, due to the away goals rule.[52] The first leg of the semi-final clash against FC Seoul ended in a 0–0 draw.[53] In the return leg, Wanderers defeated FC Seoul 2–0, courtesy to goals from Mateo Poljak and Shannon Cole, which advanced the club to the 2014 AFC Champions League Final.[54] In the first leg of the Champions League final, Wanderers defeated Al-Hilal 1–0 at home,[55] and on 1 November 2014, Western Sydney Wanderers won the AFC Champions League after managing a goalless draw in the second leg of the final against Al-Hilal, winning 1–0 on aggregate courtesy of Tomi Juric's goal. They became the first Australian team to be crowned Asian champions, an achievement they reached in only their first attempt in the Asian tournament. There were some controversial decisions from the Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura, where Al-Hilal felt they deserved two clear penalties.[56] Prior to the final match, Wanderers were criticised by the opposition coach in the media; after being crowned Asian champions, Tony Popovic responded by saying, "We were called a small club yesterday – today we are the biggest in Asia".[47] At the 2014 AFC Annual Awards, Western Sydney Wanderers was named Asian Club of the Year, and Tony Popovic Asian Coach of the Year.[57]

The club's Asian success however, was not replicated in the beginning of the A-League season, with the team managing only three draws out of the first nine matches. The team's poor domestic run was put on hold while the team travelled to Morocco for the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, where Wanderers faced Mexican side Cruz Azul in a quarter-finals clash on 13 December 2014. After going down to 9-men, Wanderers failed to hold onto the lead late into the match; an unfavourable 3–1 scoreline in extra-time saw Wanderers matched-up against ES Sétif of Algeria in a fifth place play-off.[58] A 2–2 draw led to a penalty shoot-out which finished 5–4 in favour of the African champions, ending Wanderers' run in the tournament with the team finishing in sixth place.[59] After returning home, the team finished the year with a loss in Wellington, in what was the team's 44th match in all competitions for the calendar year – a record for an Australian club.[60] A short mid-season break gave Popovic the chance to organise the squad for the remainder of the season. This included the addition of Japanese internationals Yūsuke Tanaka and Yojiro Takahagi, as well as Australian-born Kerem Bulut among others as either injury replacements or squad replacements for Vítor Saba, Seyi Adeleke and foundation player Kwabena Appiah.[61] As the season resumed, it became apparent that a heavy schedule would be the team's downfall.[62] Wanderers had to manage entering into the 2015 AFC Champions League group-stage with the former season's rivals Guangzhou Evergrande and FC Seoul as well as rescheduled mid-week league fixtures. After a grueling three months the club ended their third season in the league in ninth position,[63] whilst their Champions League season also ended unfavourably with the title-holders eliminated from the group stage, finishing third in their group.[64]

2015–16 season edit

The beginning of the 2015–16 season saw Popovic extended his initial contract with the club for a further three seasons.[65] The effects from the 2014–15 season were felt by the players as Popovic released almost half the squad.[66] In their place Popovic signed 3 Spanish foreign players and Italian striker Federico Piovaccari as a marquee. In the FFA Cup the Wanderers progressed with wins against Brisbane Roar & Palm Beach, then were beaten in a penalty shootout against Perth Glory in the quarter final.

After a slow start to the 2015–16 A-League season, with only 1 point after three matches, Wanderers found their winning ways with a seven-game winning streak to see the team top the league table. The club was unable to stay on top of the league however, and after mixed results in the final half of the season they finished 2nd below Adelaide United, who the Wanderers had failed to beat in the last few weeks of the season.

In their final series semi-final match, Wanderers hosted Brisbane Roar at Parramatta Stadium in the last game before the stadium was demolished. In front of a sold-out crowd of 20,084 Brisbane started the game strongly by racing to a 3–0 lead inside 23 minutes but the Wanderers responded with two goals to make it 3–2 at half time. Romeo Castelen scored an equaliser then put the Wanderers 4–3 in front, only for Brisbane to score again to take the game to extra time. In the 102nd minute substitute Dario Vidosic scored the decisive goal to send Wanderers to a third Grand Final in four years.[67] In the 2016 A-League Grand Final Adelaide United defeat Wanderers 3–1 in front of a crowd of 50,119. 15 players left the club at the end of the season.

2016–17 season edit

The 2016–17 A-League season began when Western Sydney Wanderers played home to Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium, with Sydney FC winning 4–0. After three years without a derby win, on 18 February, Western Sydney Wanderers, beat Sydney FC 1–0 at ANZ Stadium, Brendon Santalab scoring off a Mitch Nichols cross in the first-half. Three days after the Sydney Derby they started their Asian Champions League campaign by losing 4–0 to Urawa Reds, and subsequent results saw them fail to qualify from the Group Stage. After defeating Wellington Phoenix 3–1 they confirmed their place in the A-League finals, with Brendon Santalab scoring twice to make him the Wanderers all-time leading goal scorer. The team qualified for the A-League finals to play the 3rd place Brisbane Roar. The game ended 1–1 after extra time and Wanderers lost the penalty shoot-out, ending their domestic season.

Gombau era edit

2017–18 season edit

The Wanderers began this season with the FFA Cup. They started by defeating Wellington Phoenix 1–0 with new marquee signing Oriol Riera scoring in the 120th minute of the game. A routine 4–0 defeat of Bentleigh Greens followed in the Round of 16. The quarter final match against Blacktown City FC was an epic encounter. The Wanderers went out to an early 1–0 lead through an Oriol Riera penalty kick. Blacktown hit back in the second half and took the game to extra time, where substitute James Andrew scored to put Blacktown ahead. Riera popped up again in the 111th minute to equalise, and the Wanderers held their nerve in the shootout to win it 4–2.

In a huge shock for the A-League and the Wanderers in particular, on 1 October 2017, foundation coach Tony Popovic quit the club to join Karabükspor in the Turkish Super Lig, taking with him assistant manager Andres Carrasco & goalkeeping coach Zeljko Kalac. The Wanderers installed Hayden Foxe as caretaker manager while they looked to appoint a full-time manager. After defeating Perth Glory in the opening round, they lost the FFA Cup Semi-Final against Adelaide United.

Josep Gombau was announced as the new manager for the Wanderers on 1 November 2017.[68] His first game in charge was a 1–1 home draw against Melbourne City. The team then lost 3 in a row against Adelaide, Brisbane and a 5–0 drubbing against city rivals Sydney FC. Gombau stabilised the team somewhat in the busy January new year period, where he went 4 games without loss between January 1 and January 18, but the team were unable to string together more than 2 wins in a row. A 3–0 win against Brisbane in the penultimate week of the season put them in the last play-off position, 1 point ahead of Brisbane and Perth, who were facing each other in the final week.

While a win would have secured a finals berth as Brisbane defeated Perth 3–2, the Wanderers season fell apart in the second half. Having taken an early lead with an Oriol Riera goal, the Wanderers conceded two goals to Adelaide before Marcelo Carrusca levelled the game heading into half-time. The 62nd minute sending off of Keanu Baccus for kicking out at an opponent left them a man down and needing to attack. As they pushed players forward Adelaide kept breaking on the counter-attack, eventually scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute through Ryan Kitto.

On the 19 April, after a disappointing season where the Wanderers failed to qualify for the 2017–18 A-League finals and players making problems with his management style known to reporters and the public, Gombau was fired.[69] The Wanderers finished the season in 7th place on 33 points, two behind Brisbane, one ahead of Perth, having won 8 games, drew 9, lost 10, scoring 38 goals and conceding 47 against.

Babbel era edit

2018–19 season edit

After Gombau was sacked the Wanderers looked to Europe and appointed former German international player Markus Babbel to take over the side, on 19 May 2018.[70] The team stumbled through to the Semi-Final of the FFA Cup with narrow victories over far inferior competition, requiring a 92nd-minute winner from Roly Bonevacia to defeat the amateur Darwin side Hellenic Athletic 4–3, before a 2–1 win against 3rd tier side Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC in the Round of 16. They faced A-League opposition in the Quarter Finals, defeating Melbourne City FC in a scrappy 2–1 game before bowing out of the competition in a comprehensive defeat by rival side Sydney FC in the first FFA Cup Sydney Derby. The A-League season began poorly for the Wanderers, winning just two games in the first half of the season in Rounds 3 and 7. That second win against the Central Coast Mariners was the last win for 10 games, and included losing 6 games in a row in the congested January period.

Babbel made multiple signings in the January transfer window, bringing in Mitchell Duke, Kwame Yeboah and Giancarlo Gallifuoco as an injury replacement for Jordan O'Doherty who suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. Performances improved in the second half of the season, winning games against the Mariners, Adelaide & Brisbane Roar as well as a shock 3–0 win against Melbourne City. Ultimately their early season form ensured that the 3–2 Round 24 loss against Newcastle Jets was the final blow in their hopes to play in the A-League finals series. The final Sydney Derby to be played at ANZ Stadium was a 1–1 draw, leaving games against the Central Coast and then Melbourne Victory to end their three-year nomadic existence away from their newly opened Western Sydney Stadium.

2019–20 season edit

The Wanderers began the season, their first at the Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta, with a stadium opening friendly against English EFL Championship side Leeds United on Saturday 20 July 2019. Leeds won 2–1. The Wanderers played their first A-league match at their new home Bankwest Stadium on 12 October 2019. They defeated the Central Coast Mariners 2–1. They then won their next 2 matches with a 2–1 win against Melbourne Victory and a 1–0 victory over Sydney FC in front of a record crowd of 28,519.

On 16 January, striker Simon Cox joined the club after his departure from English, League One outfit, Southend United, replacing Alexander Meier. On 20 January, Babbel was sacked due to a run of poor performances, and Jean-Paul de Marigny was named as the caretaker.[71]

Jean-Paul de Marigny era edit

Having taken over as interim coach from Round 17 of the 2019–20 season, the club played 7 games, winning 3, drawing 3 and losing 1 game. The 1–1 draw with Sydney FC during the final Sydney Derby of the season saw the Wanderers go through a season without losing a game to Sydney FC. When the league was suspended in March as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, the results did little to improve the club position on the competition ladder, although they had closed the gap on the position above from 2 points to 1 and improved their goal different deficit. They entered the suspension period in 8th place, four points behind the last finals position.

On 14 July 2020, de Marigny was elevated to the full time position, with his contract to run until the end of the 2020–21 A-League season. The league resumed in July, with the club playing 5 games to finish the season. They drew the first game, won the second, lost two games that effectively ended their chances of making the finals series, including a heavy 5–3 loss against Western United and ended the season with a narrow win against Melbourne Victory. The club ended the season in 9th place with 33 points, coming from 9 wins, 6 draws and 11 losses from 26 games. The Wanderers unexpectedly sacked de Marigny on 12 October 2020, offering a short statement that they had 'parted ways' and were going to appoint a new coach in the coming days.[72]

Robinson era edit

Three days after the sacking of de Marigny, the club appointed Carl Robinson on 15 October 2020 as the new head coach. Robinson, a Welsh ex-international was the current head coach of fellow A-League side the Newcastle Jets and had lost only a single game since his arrival at Newcastle earlier in the year. It was reported in the media that Robinson had a release clause in his contract that allowed him to leave the Jets due to the dire financial situation of Newcastle whose owner Martin Lee had not funded the club since October 2019 and was stripped of his license.[73]

2020–21 season edit

The Wanderers began the 2020–21 A-League season by releasing Radosław Majewski, Nicholas Suman, Mathieu Cordier, Nick Sullivan, Tristan Prendergast, Matthew Jurman and Mitchell Duke. Pirmin Schwegler also retired from professional soccer. Several youth players were promoted, including Jarrod Carluccio and 16 year old Allesandro Lopane while German winger Nicolai Muller earned a contract extension. Although Daniel Lopar had left Australia during the COVID lockdown which saw him miss the end of the previous season, he returned to Australia in late October, then left again as the cancellation of the league's TV rights deal caused a collapse in funding, requiring players to agree to new, lower paid contracts or to leave. Robinson bought in a raft of players to replace them, including Bernie Ibini, James Troisi and Jordon Mutch. Duke, a Wanderers talisman, also return to the club 8 games into the season on a short-term loan deal.

Performances during the season were inconsistent but poor overall. With the fixture list impacted by COVID delays & cancellations, there was a brief period when the Wanderers were in first place on the A-League ladder, but they did so having played four games while the other clubs had played less, as low as 1 game in the case of Perth Glory & Melbourne Victory. After their 13th game and on a winning run of 3 games the Wanderers were in 2nd place on 22 points, 3 points behind the surprise package Central Coast Mariners. It was the high point of the season as the side failed to win any of the next 6 games. This included a dismal loss to the last placed Melbourne Victory, who leapt out to a 5–1 lead before three Wanderers goals late in the game, including a long range strike from Muller made the final score 5–4, as Bruce Kamau missed a glorious chance to level the game in the 95th minute. The other teams had begun to catch up the amount of games played and the Wanderers position on the ladder sank like a rock, falling to 9th place on 25 points, level with Wellington Phoenix but behind on goal difference. Winning the 2nd Sydney Derby by 3–2 was followed by a 5–0 win against Western United but the inconsistency reared up again, as the next match, an away trip to Perth saw the club lose 5–0, allowing Andy Keogh to go from having a scoreless season to four in a single game. Sydney FC finally overcame their 887-day wait for a Derby win as they completed a comfortable 1–0 win at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with the video review system ruling out a goal for each side. A 2–1 loss at Parramatta to Wellington Phoenix left the Wanderers requiring wins in their final two games and for a large number of other results to go their way.

2021–22 season edit

Robinson was fired after 7 games of the 2021/22 A-League season with the Wanderers in 2nd last place after the side were defeated 3–0 by fellow cellar dwellers Brisbane Roar. The Wanderers had also been embarrassingly eliminated from the 2021 FFA Cup in a 2–1 Round of 16 loss to semi-professional side APIA Leichhardt FC where Robinson's team selection was criticised as a second string team in a competition the club had vowed to take seriously. He left the club on 30 January 2022.[74]

Rudan era edit

2021–22 season edit

Marko Rudan was appointed as his replacement, with a contract lasting the remainder of the 2021/22 season.[75] His first game in charge was a 1–0 win against Perth Glory, with Jack Rodwell scoring the winner in the 25th minute. Inconsistent results followed with the side unable to put together two wins in a row and they remained firmly in the bottom half of the table. The highlight of the season was defeating Sydney FC in a comprehensive 2–0 win on 5 March 2022, a day after the club announced they had given Rudan an extended contract through the 2021–22, 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons.[76] Starting with a 0–0 draw against Adelaide United the team began a 5-game run without a win followed by a win against Newcastle then a 1–0 loss to Wellington Phoenix that made qualification for the finals extremely unlikely and exposed the side to a potential 2022 Australia Cup qualifying play-off against another side in the bottom 4 A-League teams. A player exodus begun in earnest as Keanu Baccus, who was the club's second most capped player and Phillip Cancar signed for clubs in the Scottish Premier League.[77]

2022–23 season edit

Rudan's first full season came to be defined by the relationship with Sydney FC their Sydney Derby rival. Milos Ninkovic, a Sydney FC "talisman" who had made 221 appearances was not able to come to an agreement with Sydney FC and on 3 July 2022 he joined the Wanderers. Former teammate and now media pundit Alex Brosque said the move was a "slap in the face" to both clubs and criticised all those involved in a transfer, saying it should never have happened. Calem Nieuwenhof, a young Sydney FC midfielder also joined the Wanderers as he looked for more playing time. English midfielder Jack Rodwell left to sign a 2-year contract with Sydney FC. The Wanderers won 4 of the first 6 games in outright 2nd place after a 1–0 away win at the new Allianz Stadium.

The derby win was the last match before a month long break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In the next 10 games they won just two games including a 1–0 loss in Parramatta to Sydney FC. The A-League's first ever 4–4 draw against Adelaide United saw new loan signing Amor Layouni scoring a stoppage time equaliser on debut to rescue a point. The Wanderers travelled away to Perth once more and lost 1–0 despite dominating the game after a 2nd minute red card to Jordan Elsey. Tomislav Mrcela was sent off with 10 minutes to play and in the 95th minute Aaron McEneff scored a lucky, deflected goal from the edge of the penalty area to send the home crowd into raptures.

Western Sydney smashed in four goals in the 3rd derby of the season. The final match of the round had the Wanderers needing a draw against Melbourne City to secure 3rd place. Brandon Borrello opened the scoring & continued the sterling form since displayed since he replaced Sulejman Krpić at the point of the attack. Marco Tilio hit back after half-time before the first Wanderers goal for Nicolas Milanovic was responded to instantly by Jamie Maclaren. Lawrence Thomas saved a penalty from Andrew Nabbout to keep the game at 2–2. In stoppage time Western Sydney's players threw players forward but lost the ball in front of the Melbourne penalty area and City began a lightning counter-attack that ended with Tilio standing up Mrcela, sending the defender left and right before firing into the bottom corner past Thomas to win the game 3–2. Western Sydney finished on 41 points in 4th place, winning 11 games, drawing 8 and losing 7 with a +16 goal difference.

The loss of 3rd placed proved decisive. Instead of playing the Wellington Phoenix it was first ever A-League finals Sydney Derby. Morgan Schneiderlin scored a 39th-minute penalty but outside that attack & goal the Wanderers were defensive and lacking fight. Sydney FC came out for the second half looking for blood and controlled the game. Mrcela went off hurt in the 61st minute, reminiscent of the Wanderers lost 2014 Grand Final when Topor-Stanley had to leave the game. Adama Traore made a brutal defensive error in the 69th minute. His defensive header back across goal was taken by Robert Mak who took a touch and fired in the equaliser. Rudan was unable to shift the game tactically and it seemed inevitable that Sydney would score again and Adam le Fondre scored, the shortest player on the field rose above the pack at a corner with a flick on 6 yards from goal past Thomas for a 2–1 scoreline. With 5 minutes to play, Wanderers captain Marcelo was found unmarked from a free kick and a player of his quality should have scored but the ball went flying over the bar to groans from the crowd. The last seconds played out with Thomas coming forward for a corner in a desperation attack but Sydney FC held on for a famous win. An exceptionally disappointing result from a season where a semi-final appearance looked like the minimum final result. After the game Ninkovic and Sydney FC coach Steve Corica were involved in a dressing room scuffle with Ninkovic entering the away side dressing room, getting into an argument with his former coach and being escorted out of the room by two Sydney FC staffers.

2023–24 season edit

Marcelo signed a one-year extension to keep him at the Wanderers. Shortly after the finals loss Morgan Schneiderlin announced he would be leaving the Wanderers as the club balked at a reported 1 million AUD salary demand. Jack Clisby returned to his old club and was joined by new signings Dylan Pierias, Lachlan Brook, Joshua Brillante, Doni Grdić, Swedish attacker Marcus Antonsson and junior attacking sensation Marcus Younis was upgraded to a 2 year scholarship contract. Layouni, who had started brightly in his short-term loan spell began talks with both the Wanderers and Melbourne City to join on a transfer but elected instead to return to a European club. Daniel Wilmering left to join the Newcastle Jets. Adama Traore joined Melbourne Victory while Terry Antonis was released a year early and joined Melbourne City. Rhys Williams's severe hamstring rupture forced him into retirement. 17 year old Liam Bonetig moved to Scottish giants Celtic after the defender was scouted at the Wanderers Academy and the Australian School Boys tournament, with the Wanderers receiving FIFA training compensation worth ~$360,000.[78][79] Jarrod Carluccio and Oliver Bozanic were moved on loan to Perth Glory.[80][81]

The Wanderers started the season well with strong performances in the early rounds of the Australia Cup main stage. The Round of 32 away trip to Perth against Floreat Athena FC resulted in a 6–1 demolition of the NPL WA club, with Lachlan Brook scoring 5 goals, a cup record for a main stage fixture. Adelaide United were up next and they were unable to hold back the striker duo of Marcus Antonsson and Brandon Borrello who scored two goals each with Miloš Ninković scoring his first goal for the Wanderers in a 5–1 rout. The team were knocked out of the Cup in the quarter final after a 4–2 loss away to Brisbane Roar.

Colours and badge edit

Western Sydney Wanderers club colours are red and black. The club's colours as well as its inaugural season kit was announced on 25 June 2012, at a press conference held at Parramatta Stadium.[27] The kit featured a red and black hoop jersey, white shorts and black socks.[82] The red and black colour scheme was popular during the supporter forums, and the 'hoop design' emerged along with vertical stripes as the two most popular style choices. The club's second kit, worn when playing away from home, has the same hoop design as the home kit. The first away kit included a red and white jersey, black shorts and white socks. The team's current away kit features white and gray hoops with white shorts and socks.[83]

The club badge incorporates the key elements of the Western Sydney landscape; the mountains, valleys and winding river system that runs throughout the region.[84] The badge includes the name of the club in Futura typeface, with white writing and a stylised W, S and W pattern to represent the club's initials.[27] Following their success at the 2014 AFC Champions League, the club announced that a star would be added to the top of the club's badge.[85] The new addition was not yet worn by the team until a national standard regarding such symbols was introduced by FFA in January 2015. The new standard allowed the team to wear a gold star in perpetuity and in all competitions in recognition to the Asian title won.[86]

Sponsorship edit

American manufacturer Nike signed a five-year partnership deal to start in the new club's first season.[82] NRMA Insurance signed a three-year partnership as the major sponsor and Westfield a two-year partnership deal to start in Wanderers first season.[87][88] Mitsubishi Electric signed a multi-year partnership deal for the 2013–14 season and onwards.[89] Visy was announced as the club's major corporate partner for the 2014 AFC Champions League.[90] On 28 November 2014, the club confirmed that NRMA Insurance extended its initial three-year sponsorship for three more years.[91][92] Pepper was announced as the major sponsor for the 2015 AFC Champions League title defence campaign.[93] Aetos was announced as the main sponsor for the Wanderers in the 2017 AFC Champions League.[94]

Period Kit manufacturer A-League kit partners Year AFC kit partners
Shirt (major) Shirt (minor) Shorts
2012–2013 Nike NRMA Insurance Hyundai Westfield 2014 Visy
2013–2017 Mitsubishi Electric / Pepper / Hyundai Westfield / Foxtel / Primo 2015 Pepper
2017–2018 Westfield / Aqualand / JD Sports 2017 Aetos
2018–2020 Centuria Capital Group (Home)
JD Sports (Away and Third kit)
2020–2023 Kappa[95] Voltaren (Home)[96]

JD Sports (Away and Third kit)[97]

2023– Adidas[98]

Club facilities edit

The club's office and training facilities are located in the one location, Blacktown International Sportspark. This was done to foster a sense of belonging for all members of the staff no matter what position they hold at the club.[99] It was initially believed that the club's administration and training facilities would be based at Football New South Wales' headquarters at Valentine Park in Parklea but the facilities at the ground were not to the standard required. Parramatta Council as part of its bid to host the team in the city offered Council owned office space inside the Parramatta CBD but this was declined in favour of staying at Blacktown.[100]

In September 2015, the club announced the formation of a formal partnership with Blacktown City Council that made the Sportspark the long-term training and administrative home of the Wanderers. The club spent $15 million to create a high quality Wanderers Training & Administration Centre with a large number of football fields, parking and landscaping as well as a High Performance Centre providing aquatics recovery, an indoor hall, cutting edge sports science, analysis rooms, gym and hospitality facilities.[101]

Stadiums edit

Locations edit

 
Western Sydney Stadium, current home ground
 
Sydney Showground Stadium, former home ground of Wanderers.
 
A Wanderers match in progress at Parramatta Stadium
Coordinates Location Stadium Capacity Year
33°48′29″S 150°59′59″E / 33.808056°S 150.999722°E / -33.808056; 150.999722 Parramatta, New South Wales Parramatta Stadium 24,000 2012–2016
33°50′35″S 151°04′04″E / 33.843056°S 151.067778°E / -33.843056; 151.067778 Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales Sydney Showground Stadium 24,000 2016–2019
33°50′50″S 151°03′48″E / 33.847222°S 151.063333°E / -33.847222; 151.063333 Sydney Olympic Park, New South Wales Stadium Australia 83,500 2016–2019
33°48′29″S 150°59′59″E / 33.808056°S 150.999722°E / -33.808056; 150.999722 Parramatta, New South Wales Western Sydney Stadium 30,000 2019–

On 26 July 2012, it was officially announced that Parramatta Stadium would be the home ground of the club for all its home games.[102] Lyall Gorman, the club's Chairman, acknowledged that the feedback he had received from the fan forums was in favour of a single home ground and that the club must be based in the Greater Western Sydney.[103] Parramatta Stadium was seen as ideal compared to other alternatives at Sydney Olympic Park, Penrith or Campbelltown as its rectangular size is better suited for games, and it has a capacity of over 20,000.[104] The prospect of the club one day owning its own stadium was also initially brought up.[105] During Western Sydney Wanderers home games, the stadium is commonly referred to as "Wanderland". Named after the team name and reference to former theme park in Western Sydney, Wonderland.

Since 2010 plans to redevelop Parramatta Stadium were in the works, with some smaller expansion taking place. With soccer being played year-round at Parramatta Stadium by Western Sydney Wanderers and the Parramatta Eels rugby league club, the potential for an upgrade and expansion of the stadium was heightened. By mid-2015 a refurbishment of corporate facilities, player facilities and stadium amenities had been complete, while a decision to increase the capacity to the ground had stalled.[106]

In September 2015, the state government announced that the stadium would be demolished and replaced with the Western Sydney Stadium, a new 30,000 seat boutique venue on the same site. Construction was completed by 2019 with the official opening on 14 April 2019.[107] During the construction period home games were shifted for three seasons to a combination of Sydney Showground Stadium, a 25,000 seat oval-configured stadium and Stadium Australia, an 83,000 seat rectangular venue, both of which are located in Sydney Olympic Park.[108]

Campbelltown Stadium is a sporadically used stadium for the Wanderers. The stadium has hosted two A-League games between the Wanderers & the Newcastle Jets, an FFA Cup game against Wellington Phoenix, and all 3 home matches of the 2017 AFC Champions League Group Stage. Penrith Stadium hosted a Wanderers pre-season game against Adelaide United in 2013, an A-League game against Wellington Phoenix & an FFA Cup game against Brisbane Roar in 2015, and also sees occasional use by the Women's W-League team. Marconi Stadium was another venue used for pre-season fixtures, Women & Youth team matches.

The Blacktown International Sportspark is a regular venue for the W-League and Youth League teams, with the club sharing the boutique stadium with Blacktown Spartans FC. In 2019, the club opened the Wanderers Centre Of Football, a $15 million facility with a boutique stadium (Wanderers Football Park) that replicates the playing surface of the Western Sydney Stadium. The W-League team played its first game there on 2 January 2021, winning the match 2–1 against the Newcastle Jets.

Support edit

Season Attendance Members
2012–13 12,466 7,500
2013–14 14,860 16,100
2014–15 12,520 18,706
2015–16 14,297 18,370
2016–17 17,745 20,021
2017–18 11,924 19,025
2018–19 9,191 16,623
2019–20 9,872* 17,325 *Affected by COVID Restrictions[109]
2020–21 8,062 18,536

It's hard for a coach to control what's happening on the field when the noise levels are so high.

 — John Aloisi commenting on the home crowd after losing to the Wanderers in the 2015–16 A-League semi-finals, April 2016.[110]

 
Western Sydney Wanderers fans at Parramatta Stadium
 
West Sydney Terrace supporters' group at Sydney Showground Stadium

Western Sydney Wanderers is one of the A-League's better supported clubs.[111] The main supporters' group for the club is the "Red and Black Bloc" (RBB).[112] The independent group was established in June 2012, with its founding members connecting months before that on online forums and holding meetings at Parramatta's Woolpack Hotel.[113] The group made its first appearance attending the club's first ever game on 25 July 2012, where Wanderers played Nepean FC at Cook Park.[114] At the match, the group gathered at the northern end of the ground and were vocal in the support of the new team. The Daily Telegraph noted the impressive debut of the group,[115] whilst The Sydney Morning Herald described the group as "a noisy bunch on the northern hill".[116]

The RBB have received much praise and attention for the atmosphere and passion they produce, most notably their call-and-response chant "Who do we sing for?".[117][118] The RBB perform The Poznań at the 80 minute mark of matches, in recognition of the history associated with soccer in Parramatta as the first ever game of the sport in Australia was played there in the year 1880.[119] The group is also active in local charitable causes. In the wake of the 2013 New South Wales bushfires disaster, the RBB raised $15,000 to assist the NSW Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal.[120]

On 2 October 2014, 5,000 Wanderers' supporters attended a live screening of the second leg of the 2014 AFC Champions League Final at Centenary Square, in the Parramatta CBD.[121] The event was followed by thousands of fans turning up to welcome home the newly crowned champions of Asia at Sydney Airport.[122]

On 28 December 2013, supporters of Western Sydney Wanderers were involved in an altercation with a group of Melbourne Victory supporters in a Melbourne street before a league match. The incident was followed by the club's supporters igniting a flare during the match in Melbourne Rectangular Stadium. On 3 January 2014, FFA responded by charging both clubs with bringing the game into disrepute.[123] Action was also taken against several individuals, with police later charging three supporters involved in the incident within the following months.[124]

On 19 April 2013 Australian rock-pop band Exit Row (Andrew Torrisi, Nick Ferreri, Raf Lavorato, Jeremy Azzopardi and Aaron Tarasiewicz) released their debut single "Welcome To Our Wanderland",[125] a Western Sydney Wanderers-anthem. The song lyric was of the club, the RBB, and Western Sydney, with the RBB chant "Who do we sing for?" used in the chorus. The song reached 93 on the Australian iTunes chart.[126]

By the end of their inaugural season Western Sydney Wanderers had grown its membership base to 7,500 people,[127] with the club's total match attendance at home reaching 174,520, with an average of 12,466.[128] By the beginning of their second season, club membership had grown twofold to a set cap of 16,100 members, with over 2,000 in waiting.[129] In addition the second season saw a rise to 193,178 total and 14,860 average attendances to home games.[130] By their third season the club had risen to 18,706 ticketed season members.[131]

Some notable Wanderers fans include Ian "Dicko" Dickson,[132][133][134] Laura Dundovic,[135][136] Nicole da Silva,[137][138] Lucy Zelic,[139][140][141] Paul Croft,[142] Montaigne,[143] and Jamie Soward.[144][145]

Rivalries edit

Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Sydney FC

Overall Home Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
35 10 9 16 38 51  −13 39 5 5 9 18 31  −13 5 4 7 20 20  0

Western Sydney Wanderers' local rivals are Sydney FC. The rivalry, regarded as the biggest in the A-League,[146] is largely based upon the historical, cultural and geographical "East" versus "West" mentality that takes place throughout sport and life in Sydney,[147] though the rivalry between the two clubs also stems from the establishment and development of the A-League, which mirrored the pre-existing cultural and social divide of the city. The two clubs first met in Wanderers inaugural season during the third round of the league on 20 October 2012, with Wanderers losing the match 1–0 after a penalty scored by Alessandro Del Piero.[148] On 15 December 2012, in the following derby, Wanderers defeated Sydney FC 2–0 away from home with goals by Youssouf Hersi and Michael Beauchamp.[149] During their third encounter on 23 March 2012, the two teams went on to draw 1–1 at Wanderers' home ground. The match saw much drama with nine yellows and two red cards shown on the night.[150] In recent years, the derby has been played in front of sold-out crowds, and the support in which both clubs receive has produced an "unrivalled atmosphere and sense of occasion for a club match" in Australia.[151]

Western Sydney Wanderers vs. Macarthur FC

Overall Home Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
8 3 3 2 11 14  −3 12 1 3 0 8 6  +2 2 0 2 3 8  −5

Another of the Western Sydney Wanderers' local rivals are Macarthur FC. The rivalry is largely based on geography, with both teams based in Greater Western Sydney.[152] Macarthur FC represents South Western Sydney, with its home ground, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, in Campbelltown, and its temporary training ground, Fairfield Showground, located in Prairiewood,[153] while Western Sydney Wanderers represent Greater Western Sydney, with their home ground at Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta and their training ground at Blacktown Football Park in Rooty Hill.[154][155][156]

The two clubs first met in the opening round of the 2020–21 A-League season on 30 December 2020, with Macarthur winning the match 1–0 after a goal scored by Mark Milligan in front of a crowd of 10,128. On 6 February 2021, Wanderers drew 2–2 away from home with goals by Graham Dorrans and Simon Cox in front of a crowd of 4,723.

Ownership edit

Upon establishing Western Sydney Wanderers in April 2012, FFA attempted to find a backer to own and run the club.[14] Despite several attempts by FFA, no individual owner or consortium of owners decided to take on the new Sydney-based club, thus FFA assumed ownership of the club, taking on the role first two years of the club's existence with Lyall Gorman appointed chairman.[15][23]

In May 2014, it was confirmed that FFA had sold the club to a consortium headed by Australian businessman Paul Lederer, who was also appointed the role of chairman, while John Tsatsimas took up the role of the club's first CEO following his role as General Manager since the club's inception.[157][158] Along with Lederer, Jefferson Cheng, Glenn Duncan and David Slade were part of the consortium of owners. The new ownership became effective as of 30 June 2014.[159]

Players edit

Australian squads are limited to 23 players in the league competition, five of whom may be without an Australian citizenship and three players must be under 23 years of age. The squad list includes only the principal nationality of each player; some players on the squad have dual citizenship with another country.

First-team squad edit

As of 18 January 2024[160]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK   AUS Daniel Margush
2 DF   AUS Gabriel Cleur
4 DF   AUS Doni Grdić
5 MF   GER Sonny Kittel (on loan from Raków Częstochowa)
6 DF   BRA Marcelo (captain)
7 FW   AUS Dylan Pierias
8 MF   AUS Oliver Bozanic
9 FW   SWE Marcus Antonsson
10 MF   SRB Miloš Ninković
11 FW   SSD Valentino Yuel
12 DF   AUS Ruon Tongyik
13 DF   AUS Tate Russell
14 MF   AUS Nicolas Milanovic
16 MF   AUS Tom Beadling
17 FW   AUS Lachlan Brook
19 DF   AUS Jack Clisby
No. Pos. Nation Player
20 GK   AUS Lawrence Thomas
21 MF   NED Jorrit Hendrix
25 MF   AUS Joshua Brillante
26 FW   AUS Brandon Borrello
28 FW   AUS Aydan Hammond (scholarship)
29 MF   MLT Dylan Scicluna
30 GK   AUS Taiga Harper (scholarship)
31 DF   AUS Aidan Simmons
32 FW   AUS Nathanael Blair (scholarship)
33 DF   AUS Alex Bonetig
35 MF   AUS Zac Sapsford
36 MF   AUS Oscar Priestman (scholarship)
37 FW   AUS Alexander Badolato
38 DF   AUS Anthony Pantazopoulos (scholarship)
39 FW   AUS Marcus Younis (scholarship)
40 GK   AUS Jack Gibson

Out on loan edit

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
MF   AUS Jarrod Carluccio (at Perth Glory until 30 June 2024)

Youth edit

Players to have been featured in a first-team matchday squad for Western Sydney Wanderers.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
44 DF   AUS Nathan Barrie
60 GK   AUS Lucas Sinnott

Club officials edit

Western Sydney Wanderers staff
Management[161]

  Paul Lederer – Owner/Chairman
  Jefferson Cheng – Owner
  Glenn Duncan – Owner
  David Slade – Owner
  Scott Hudson – CEO

Coaches[162]

  Marko Rudan – Head Coach
  Jean-Paul de Marigny – Assistant Coach
  Jess Vanstrattan – Goalkeeper Coach
  Ray Younis – Strength and Conditioning Coach
  Elias Boukarim – High Performance Manager
  Kim Gyebeom – Head Performance Analyst
  Lachlan Harris – Assistant Video Analyst
  Corey Gameiro – Head of Youth Development
  Jason Culina – Head of Academy Coaches
  Andrew Christensen – Wanderers NPL Academy Coach


Head coach record edit

Period Name G W D L % PPG Honours
2012–17   Tony Popovic 180 76 44 60 42.2% 1.49 A-League Premiers: 2012–13
A-League Coach of the Year: 2012–13[163]
AFC Champions League: 2014[164]
Asian Coach of the Year: 2014[165]
2017   Hayden Foxe 6 1 4 1 16.7% 1.40
2017–18   Josep Gombau 22 7 5 10 31.8% 1.18
2018–20   Markus Babbel 48 15 8 25 31.3% 1.10
2020   Jean-Paul de Marigny 12 5 4 3 41.7% 1.83
2020–22   Carl Robinson 35 11 11 13 31.4% 1.26
2022–   Marko Rudan 47 16 14 17 34.04% 1.31

Captaincy history edit

Wanderers captaincy history[166]

Dates Name Notes Honours (as captain)
2012–2014   Michael Beauchamp Inaugural club captain 2012–13 A-League Premiership
2014–2016   Nikolai Topor-Stanley 2014 AFC Champions League
2016–2017   Dimas Delgado First foreign captain
2017–2018   Robert Cornthwaite
2018–2019   Brendan Hamill
2019–2020   Mitchell Duke[167]
2020–21   Dylan McGowan
2021–22   Rhys Williams
2022–   Marcelo

Records edit

 
Brendon Santalab holds the club record for all-time top-scorer

Mark Bridge currently holds the team record for total number of games played with 141 matches. Nikolai Topor-Stanley has the second most appearances for the club with 125 matches. Brendon Santalab is the third most capped player with 114 matches.[168]

Western Sydney Wanderers all-time highest goalscorer in all competitions is Brendon Santalab with 41 goals. The player with the second most goals scored for Wanderers is Mark Bridge, who has scored 38 goals for the club, followed by Oriol Riera with 31 goals scored in all competitions.[168]

Wanderers highest home A-League attendance at Parramatta Stadium is 19,627 for a Sydney Derby match on 16 January 2016,[169] whilst the club's highest attendance in any competition at Parramatta Stadium is 20,053, set in the 2014 AFC Champions League Final first leg against Al-Hilal FC. The highest home attendance at any stadium for Western Sydney Wanderers is 61,880 for a Sydney Derby match at Stadium Australia on Saturday 9 October 2016.

Team records edit

Season-by-season record edit


This is a partial list of the last five seasons the Wanderers have participated in. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Western Sydney Wanderers FC seasons.

Season League Finals Australia Cup Other competitions Top goalscorer(s) Coach
Division P W D L GF GA Pts Pos ACL CWC Name(s) Goals
2018–19 A-League 27 6 6 15 42 54 24 8th SF   Oriol Riera 13   Markus Babbel
2019–20 A-League 26 9 6 11 35 40 33 9th QF   Mitchell Duke 14   Markus Babbel
  Jean-Paul de Marigny
2020–21 A-League 26 9 8 9 45 43 35 8th n/a[a]   Bruce Kamau 9   Carl Robinson
2021–22 A-League Men 26 6 9 11 30 38 27 10th R16   Tomer Hemed 6   Carl Robinson
  Marko Rudan
2022–23 A-League Men 26 11 8 7 43 27 41 4th EF PR   Brandon Borrello 13   Marko Rudan

A-League Grand Finals edit

Season Opponent Score Goalscorer(s) Location Attendance
2013 Central Coast Mariners 0–2 Allianz Stadium, Sydney 42,102
2014 Brisbane Roar 1–2* Špiranović   56' Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 51,153
2016 Adelaide United 1–3 Neville   58' Adelaide Oval, Adelaide 50,119

* - Match was decided during extra time

Continental record edit

Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
2014 AFC Champions League Group H   Ulsan Hyundai 1–3 2–0 1st
  Guizhou Renhe 5–0 1–0
  Kawasaki Frontale 1–0 1–2
Round of 16   Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2–0 1–3 3–3 (a)
Quarter-finals   Guangzhou Evergrande 1–0 1–2 2–2 (a)
Semi-finals   FC Seoul 2–0 0–0 2–0
Final   Al-Hilal 1–0 0–0 1–0
2015 AFC Champions League Group H   Kashima Antlers 1–2 3–1 3rd
  Guangzhou Evergrande 2–3 2–0
  FC Seoul 1–1 0–0
2017 AFC Champions League Group F   Urawa Red Diamonds 0–4 1–6 4th
  Shanghai SIPG 3–2 1–5
  FC Seoul 2–3 3–2

AFC Club Ranking edit

As of 6th of March 2023[171]
Current Rank Country Team Points
128   Saipa F.C   1319
129   S.C. Damash Gilan  1317
130   Western Sydney Wanderers   1316
131   Melbourne Victory   1315
132   Al Raed   1314

Updated 14 May 2022

Honours edit

Domestic edit

Continental edit

International edit

Award edit

See also edit

Notes edit

  1. ^ Western Sydney did not enter the 2020 FFA Cup due to the event being cancelled following the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, with only a limited number of preliminary rounds being played.[170]

References edit

  1. ^ "A-League owners to be offered far longer licences by Football Federation Australia". www.adelaidenow.com.au. 28 October 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  2. ^ "FFA postpones western Sydney expansion". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e Hall, Matthew (12 December 2004). "NSW 'cut ties' with new club over Lowy". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  4. ^ Cockerill, Michael (5 April 2012). "FFA must show real leadership to ensure the move west is a success". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 14 October 2012.
  5. ^ "Kewell major player behind Sydney team: report". The Sydney Morning Herald. 9 September 2004. Retrieved 23 December 2006.
  6. ^ "Was one-team one-city a mistake by the FFA?". The Roar. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
  7. ^ "Super-sized A-League may get the jump on AFL in western Sydney". The Sydney Morning Herald. 30 April 2008. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  8. ^ "FFA to consider 10 new bids for expanded A-League". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 3 June 2008. Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  9. ^ "Sydney Rovers Scrapped". Australian FourFourTwo. 10 December 2010. Archived from the original on 14 December 2010. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  10. ^ "All over red Rovers". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. 10 December 2010. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  11. ^ "Clive Palmer reveals Gold Coast United A-League licence revoked by Football Federation Australia". The Australian. News Limited. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  12. ^ "FFA's failure to negotiate & communicate with clubs' owners at the heart of another ugly episode for the A-League". goal.com. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  13. ^ "New Hyundai A-League club for Western Sydney". footballaustralia.com.au. Football Federation Australia. 11 April 2012. Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  14. ^ a b "Western Sydney to be unveiled". Australian FourFourTwo. 3 April 2012. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  15. ^ a b "Western Sydney confirmed for A-League in 2012–13". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 4 April 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2012.
  16. ^ "PM: West is best for FFA". Australian FourFourTwo. 4 April 2012. Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  17. ^ "Wanderers celebrate first birthday". The Western Weekender. Western Sydney Publishing Group. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
  18. ^ "FFA Thanks Western Sydney Football Community On Wanderers Anniversary". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 11 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  19. ^ "FOOTBALL COMES HOME: The Early Days of Western Sydney Wanderers FC" (PDF). West Sydney Football. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  20. ^ Guy Zangari, Member for Fairfield. "Western Sydney Wanderers Football Club". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). New South Wales: Legislative Assembly. p. 19976.
  21. ^ "Fans chance to help decide colours and name for New Sydney Club representing Western Sydney". Football News South Wales. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  22. ^ "Last day to vote on new Sydney club". West Sydney Wanderers FC. 11 May 2012. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  23. ^ a b "Lyall Gorman appointed chairman of new Sydney club". footballaustralia.com.au. Football Federation Australia. 17 May 2012. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  24. ^ "Popovic head coach for new Sydney club". footballaustralia.com.au. Football Federation Australia. 17 May 2012. Archived from the original on 3 June 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  25. ^ Davutovic, David (22 May 2012). "Ante's heart is back in Sydney". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  26. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers FC join Hyundai A-League". footballaustralia.com.au. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  27. ^ a b c "Western Sydney ready to begin our journey". Football Federation Australia. 19 June 2012. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  28. ^ "Timeline of Australian Football". New South Wales Migration Heritage Centre, Powerhouse Museum. 2006. Archived from the original on 17 December 2014. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  29. ^ "Latest A-League boom signing touches down in Sydney". The Sydney Morning Herald. 30 September 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
  30. ^ "Match Report: Wanderers 0 – Mariners 0". Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 7 October 2013. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  31. ^ "WSW stuns Roar to claim first A-League win". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  32. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic named A-League Coach of the Year". Adelaide Now. 15 April 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  33. ^ "Beauchamp And Topor-Stanley Open Up on Historic Season". footballaustralia.com.au. Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 14 April 2013. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  34. ^ Georgakopoulos, Chris (19 March 2013). "Western Sydney Wanderers break all-time Australian national league record after being Melbourne Heart 3–1". The Daily Telegraph (Sydney). News Limited. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  35. ^ "Mariners crowned champions". footballaustralia.com.au. Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 7 October 2013. Retrieved 5 October 2013.
  36. ^ "Doubts about the embryonic Western Sydney Wanderers team turned to belief as the season wore on". Herald Sun. News Limited. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  37. ^ "Kiwi Rojas named A-League's best". fifa.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  38. ^ "Solskjaer, Western Sydney Wanderers and aspiring Bangladeshis". World Football. 22 February 2013. 28 minutes in. BBC World Service. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  39. ^ "Socceroo Spiranovic signs with Western Sydney Wanderers". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  40. ^ "A-League: Western Sydney Wanderers back Tony Popovic's rotation policy". The Sydney Morning Herald. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  41. ^ "Highs and Lows in Wanderers ACL debut". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
  42. ^ "Wanderers 5 Guizhou 0 | Match Report". footballaustralia.com.au. Football Federation Australia. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  43. ^ "Wanderers into A-League Grand Final". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2014.
  44. ^ "Wandereres make us really proud to be Westies". Liverpool City Champion. Fairfax Regional Media. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  45. ^ "Henrique scores winner as Roar claim title in thriller". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  46. ^ "Wanderers qualify for Champions League Quarter Final". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  47. ^ a b "Western Sydney Wanderers win Asian Champions League title 1–0 on aggregate after 0–0 draw in second-leg final". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  48. ^ "Wanderers Add Brazilian to Attacking Mix". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 20 June 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  49. ^ "Date Set for Wanderers FFA Cup debut". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  50. ^ "Adelaide City beats Western Sydney Wanderers in FFA Cup". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 12 August 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  51. ^ "Wanderers draw Guangzhou Evergrande in Quarter Final". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 9 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  52. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers reach Asian Champions League semi-finals". The Australian. News Corp. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  53. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers draw 0–0 with FC Seoul in Asian Champions League semi-final first leg". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 17 September 2014. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  54. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers through to Asian Champions League final with 2–0 defeat of FC Seoul". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. October 2014. Retrieved 8 October 2014.
  55. ^ "Tomi Juric kicks sole goal as Western Sydney Wanderers beat Al Hilal". The Australian. News Corp. Retrieved 28 October 2014.
  56. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers win Asian Champions League title 1–0 on aggregate after 0–0 draw in second-leg final". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. November 2014. Retrieved 1 November 2014.
  57. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers dominate Asian Football Confederation awards". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 30 November 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2014.
  58. ^ "Cruz Azul defeat nine-man Wanderers in extra-time". FIFA. Archived from the original on 14 December 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
  59. ^ "Setif sink Wanderers in penalties to finish fifth". FIFA. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 17 December 2014.
  60. ^ "Wellington Phoenix edge Western Sydney Wanderers 1–0 in A-League clash". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 28 December 2014. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  61. ^ "Wanderers insists A-League break has them fresh as they chase first win of the season". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  62. ^ "The Wanderers – what happened?". The World Games. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  63. ^ "Perth Glory downs Western Sydney Wanderers 2–1 to finish A-League season with win". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 25 April 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  64. ^ "Heartbreak as Wanderers stun Evergrande but still fall short". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  65. ^ "Popovic Extends Deal to 2018". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Archived from the original on 3 August 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  66. ^ Cohen, Kate. "Western Sydney Wanderers team news: Popovic's mass exodus suggests a risky rebuild". Fox Sports. Retrieved 13 August 2015.
  67. ^ "Wanderers win sensational semi final in extra time". a-league.com.au. Retrieved 24 April 2016.
  68. ^ "Josep Gombau Is New Wanderers Manager".
  69. ^ Bossi, Dominic (19 April 2018). "Wanderers sack coach Josep Gombau". Sydney Morning Herald.
  70. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers appoint German legend Babbel as A-League coach". The Guardian. 19 May 2018.
  71. ^ "Wanderers part company with Markus Babbel". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 19 January 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  72. ^ "Jean-Paul De Marigny Departs Wanderers". westsydneyfootball.com. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  73. ^ "Newcastle Jets coach Carl Robinson joins rival Western Sydney Wanderers as dire financial state laid bare". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 15 October 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  74. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers sack coach Carl Robinson". 30 January 2022.
  75. ^ "News - Wanderers Appoint Rudan". 30 January 2022.
  76. ^ "News - Wanderers Appoint Mark Rudan Until End of 2023 24". 4 March 2022.
  77. ^ "Exclusive: Cancar, Baccus to depart Wanderers to join Aussie ranks in Scottish Premiership".
  78. ^ "Liam Bonetig Signs With Celtic". Western Sydney Wanderers. 15 September 2023.
  79. ^ "Guide to Training Compensation and Solidarity" (PDF). Football Australia.
  80. ^ "Carluccio Departs On Loan To Perth". Western Sydney Wanderers.
  81. ^ "Bozanic To Go On Loan To Perth". Western Sydney Wanderers.
  82. ^ a b "Nike Australia announce sponsorship of the new Western Sydney Wanderers". Nike. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  83. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers 14–15 kits released". footyheadlines.com. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  84. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers FC join Hyundai A-League". Football Federation Australia. Retrieved 18 May 2014.
  85. ^ "Between the posts: star appeal at Pirtek Stadium; Gameiro support; Taggart recovery". Fox Sports. Retrieved 30 November 2014.
  86. ^ "Playing strip recognition for winning clubs". a-league.com.au. Retrieved 16 January 2015.
  87. ^ "NRMA Insurance unveiled as major sponsor". Football Federation Australia. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  88. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers announce Westfield as an Official Partner". Football Federation Australia. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  89. ^ "Mitsubishi Electric joins the Western Sydney Wanderers Family". Football Federation Australia. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  90. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers Announce Visy ACL Sponsorship". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  91. ^ "NRMA Insurance signs new three year sponsorship with Western Sydney Wanderers". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
  92. ^ "Wanderers sponsorship deal with NRMA could top $1m". afr.com. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  93. ^ "Wanderers add some pepper to ACL defence". WSWanderersFC. 18 February 2015. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  94. ^ "Aetos Wanderers 2017 AFC Champions League partner". Aetoscg.com.au. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  95. ^ "Wanderers announce three-year partnership with Kappa Australia". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 17 September 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  96. ^ "Voltaren sign on as Wanderers Co-Major". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  97. ^ "Wanderers x JD Sports: A Co-Major Partnership Continued". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 23 September 2020. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  98. ^ "Three stripes for three years: Wanderers announce three-year partnership with Adidas". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  99. ^ Stone, Kathy (24 January 2013). "Secrets of West Sydney Wanderers success". Australian FourFourTwo. Haymarket. Retrieved 24 January 2013.
  100. ^ Cockerill, Michael (4 April 2012). "New Sydney A-League team to be announced". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  101. ^ "Details revealed for Wanderers training base". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 11 September 2015.
  102. ^ Cockerill, Michael (27 July 2012). "Sponsor and stadium sealed". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  103. ^ Smithies, Tom (26 April 2012). "People of west want Parramatta home". Fox Sports. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  104. ^ "Parramatta Stadium the right venue for Wanderers – Paul Johnson – Western Sydney FC 2011". Football Australia. 29 July 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  105. ^ "Attacking style key for New Sydney Club: Bosnich". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 3 May 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
  106. ^ "Facelift for a famous arena: $29 million revamp for Parramatta Stadium". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  107. ^ "New 30,000-seat Parramatta stadium among premier's $1.6b promises". The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 September 2015.
  108. ^ Sebastian Hassett (30 March 2016). "Western Sydney Wanderers lock in Sydney Olympic Park for home matches next season". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  109. ^ "Statistics » Attendance » 2019–20 :: Ultimate A-League". www.ultimatealeague.com. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  110. ^ Gatt, Ray (25 April 2016). "Roar coach John Aloisi watches his young team implode". The Australian. News Corp. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  111. ^ "Huge crowd cheers on Wanderers from Sydney". skynews.com.au. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  112. ^ "redandblackbloc.org". Retrieved 4 May 2013.
  113. ^ "How a western army was born". The Sydney Morning Herald. 18 April 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  114. ^ Taylor, Brett (19 July 2012). "Australian FourFourTwo – Wanderers Fans Take Shape". Australian FourFourTwo. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  115. ^ Smithies, Tom (26 July 2012). "Western Sydney Wanders have first hit-out in trial match against Nepean". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  116. ^ Cockerill, Michael (26 July 2012). "Wanderers' journey kicks off". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  117. ^ Hassett, Sebastian (16 December 2012). "New boys paint the city red and black". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  118. ^ Foster, Craig (23 December 2012). "Take a bow, Wanderers: you are the pride of the league". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
  119. ^ "The rise of western sydney wanderers". sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 14 April 2013.
  120. ^ "The Happy Wanderer: The RBB and the Western Sydney Wanderers say goodbye to capo Boris". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  121. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers fans light up Parramatta with their fanatical support". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2 November 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  122. ^ "Thousands turn out to welcome home ACL-winning Western Sydney Wanderers at Sydney airport". Fox Sports. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  123. ^ "FFA charges Melbourne Victory, Western Sydney Wanderers over fans' street brawl". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2 January 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  124. ^ "Three Sydney men arrested by Melbourne detectives over brawl between Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory fans". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
  125. ^ "Welcome To Our Wanderland – Single Exit Row". itunes.apple.com/au. January 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  126. ^ "Exit Row – 'Welcome To Our Wanderland' Australian iTunes Chart Performance". itunescharts.net. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  127. ^ ""Who Do We Sing For?" The remarkable rise of Western Sydney Wanderers". just-football.com. 15 March 2013. Retrieved 5 August 2013.
  128. ^ "2012–13 Attendance Statistics". ultimatealeague.com. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
  129. ^ "Packed mentality: Wanderers aim for sellout season at home". The Sydney Morning Herald. 30 October 2013. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
  130. ^ "2013–14 Attendance Statistics". ultimatealeague.com. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  131. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers in talks to move games to ANZ Stadium". The Sydney Morning Herald. 21 January 2015. Retrieved 14 February 2015.
  132. ^ Caryn Metcalfe (23 April 2013). "Red and Black fans sing for their Western Sydney Wanderers". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  133. ^ "Wanderers fans pledge to Poznan". SBS News. Special Broadcasting Service. 1 November 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  134. ^ "Dicko: We Run This Town". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 29 November 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  135. ^ "My Football Story: Laura Dundovic". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. 23 April 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  136. ^ "This week on Thursday FC". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. 15 October 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  137. ^ "Wanderers Ambassador Nicole da Silva knows the power of football". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  138. ^ "Nicole da Silva: Sydney Derby". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. 11 August 2016. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  139. ^ Matt Greenlaw (4 September 2013). "Lucy Zelic signs on for SBS football coverage". The Football Sack. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  140. ^ Lucy Zelic (3 December 2014). "Lucy Zelic: A long way in Six Months". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  141. ^ Lucy Zelic (16 January 2016). "Letter to the fans: Lucy Zelic". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  142. ^ James Silver (4 August 2016). "Stories of the West: Flying the Flag". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  143. ^ Western Sydney Wanderers (25 January 2017). "Good luck to Montaigne". Western Sydney Wanderers. Retrieved 7 February 2017.
  144. ^ "Fox Fans League crowns maiden champion". footballaustralia.com.au. 29 April 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  145. ^ "7 great reasons to watch Wanderers v City tonight". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. 29 January 2016. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
  146. ^ "In a short space of time, the Sydney derby has fast become the A-League biggest rivalry". Fox Sports. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
  147. ^ "A-League soccer draw announced". Blacktown Sun. Fairfax Regional Media. 19 June 2012. Archived from the original on 21 August 2017. Retrieved 20 April 2013.
  148. ^ "WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS VS SYDNEY". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  149. ^ "SYDNEY VS WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  150. ^ "WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS VS SYDNEY". The World Game. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  151. ^ "Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers: Derby set to break Allianz Stadium crowd record". The Daily Telegraph. Sydney. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  152. ^ Monteverde, Marco (29 December 2020). "A-League: Macarthur FC determined to win the 'battle of the west'". news.com.au. NCA NewsWire. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  153. ^ "Macarthur FC: All you need to know about the A-League newcomers ahead of debut season". MyFootball. 13 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  154. ^ Mitchell, Jake (12 January 2023). "Wanderers Fives Facility now open to boost talent development". Soccerscene. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  155. ^ Lynch, Joey (4 May 2023). "Discontent provides standard backdrop to Sydney derby laden with symbolism". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  156. ^ "Club in Focus: Western Sydney Wanderers". Australia Cup. 21 July 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  157. ^ "FFA completes sale of Western Sydney Wanderers". SBS News. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  158. ^ "Change of Management Structure". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  159. ^ "FFA confirms the sale of Western Sydney Wanderers to a consortium for a reported $10m fee". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
  160. ^ "Players and staff: A-League". Western Sydney Wanderers FC. Retrieved 27 June 2016.
  161. ^ "History". www.wswanderersfc.com.au. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  162. ^ "Teams". www.wswanderersfc.com.au. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  163. ^ "Tony Popovic named coach of new A-League team". News OK. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  164. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers win Asian Champions League title". The Guardian. November 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  165. ^ "Tony Popovic crowned AFC Coach of Year after leading Wanderers to Asian Champions League title". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
  166. ^ "Western Sydney Wanderers". Ultimate A-League. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  167. ^ Rugari, Vince (25 August 2019). "Ecstasy, agony and relief: Duke to captain Wanderers in homecoming season". The Sydney Morning Herald.
  168. ^ a b "Western Sydney Wanderers Player Database". westsydneyfootball.com. Archived from the original on 7 September 2016. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  169. ^ "Attendance". ultimatealeague.com. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  170. ^ "Coronavirus forces FFA Cup to be cancelled". The World Game. SBS. 7 July 2020.
  171. ^ "Asia Football / Football Club Rankings  – as of 1 May 2022" (PDF). footballdatabase.com. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  172. ^ "AFC Club of the Year: Western Sydney Wanderers". the-AFC.com. 30 November 2014. Archived from the original on 7 December 2017. Retrieved 7 December 2017.

External links edit

  • Official website
  • Official corporate website Archived 18 January 2019 at the Wayback Machine
  • Supporters website
  • Red and Black Block
  • Western Sydney Wanderers results - Latest scores for Western Sydney Wanderers FC
Achievements
Preceded by Champions of Asia
2014
Succeeded by