Inglewood United can confirm it has parted company with first team coach Taki Nicolaidis.   The decision came following a meeting earlier in the week between Nicolaidis and members of the club Executive Committee at which it was felt it was in the best interests of both parties to go their separate ways.

“The decision to release Taki was very difficult and one that we’ve not taken lightly,” said club president Ces Colli.   “We are duty-bound to put the Club’s long-term interests above all sense of personal sentiment, no matter how strong that might be.”

“During his time at the Club Taki leant his wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, added to the levels of professionalism and structure within the club and also contributed to elevating Inglewood’s profile within the West Australian football community.”

Nicolaidis initially joined Inglewood as an assistant to Michael Garcia in November 2015, and four months later stepped into the head coach role.   He guided the club to second in last year’s National Premier Leagues along with a Grand Final appearance before being named the competition’s Coach of the Year.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee, I thank Taki for the invaluable contribution he made to Inglewood United and wish him and his family all the very best for the future,” said Colli.   “Taki remains a respected figure at Inglewood and he and his family will always be warmly welcomed at the club.”

Andres Oliveira and Andy Keogh have overseen preparations for Saturday’s game against Armadale at Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium.   The Executive Committee have begun the recruitment process and will make no further comment until that process is completed.