New coach Taki Nicolaidis has vowed to guide Inglewood United into the upper reaches of the National Premier Leagues.   Nicolaidis, 45, was formally revealed as first team coach yesterday, a week after the sudden resignation of Michael Garcia and only three months after accepting an assistant coach role with Inglewood.

“This is a club with tremendous history and I am honoured to have played and now coached Inglewood,” said Nicolaidis, who gained a State Cup winners medal with the club in 1999. “There is an abundance of talent at the club and we are determined to play an attacking style of football and bring to the club the success that it deserves.”

Nicolaidis admits he has been caught off-guard somewhat by his rapid ascension to head coach. “Michael’s resignation came as a real surprise,” he said. “I’m personally disappointed to see him resign, however, I also understand the commitment that is needed to be a head coach at this level and respect his decision and honesty.”

Nicolaidis, who’ll be assisted by Saul Contera, intends to build on the foundations laid by his predecessor. “At this stage I won’t be making any changes to our squad,” he said. “All the players will be given an opportunity to prove themselves during the Night Series and we will assess what areas we may need to strengthen before the season starts.”

“Michael has assembled a top-class squad and whilst I feel it is a stronger and more balanced squad on paper that last year, we still need to put it together on match day. I’m looking to improve in all areas and, with everything going plan during the league campaign, we will be playing finals football come the end of the season.”