Hills United appoint Ruben Zadkovich as Head Senior Coach

Ambitious National Premier Leagues 2 NSW Men’s club Hills United have appointed former Socceroo Ruben Zadkovich as head coach of their senior squad replacing Patrick Zwaanswijk who has taken up a head NPL coaching role at the Western Sydney Wanderers.

The 34-year-old former tenacious midfielder who played for the likes of Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory as well as having stints in England with Queens Park Rangers, Notts County and Derby County has been busy in the coaching department with his last three season’s as head coach of the Broadmeadow Magic in the Northern NSW NPL competition.

Zadkovich was delighted with his new coaching adventure with Hills United and couldn’t wait to get the ball rolling to commence preparations for the 2021 season with his contract spanning up until the completion of the 2022 season.

“I was looking for the next project to challenge me as a coach, Broadmeadow Magic is part of my family and will always have a place in my heart.

“Once I met the people at Hills United FC I knew this was the place I could challenge myself as a football coach but also have a positive experience away from the pitch.

“I’m grateful for the trust Tristan and the board have given me and I will give everything I have to make sure we progress and achieve things together.”

Hills United Club President Tristan Rimmer stated that Ruben’s experience and drive to succeed was the perfect blend to build on the legacy left by Patrick Zwaanswijk.

“This is a really exciting appointment.

“Ruben is well known to the Australian football public for his exploits on the pitch and in a short period of time has excelled in the dugout leading Broadmeadow Magic to the Northern NSW NPL Championship and to the final 16 of the Westfield FFA Cup.

“Hills United FC’s ability to attract a coach like Ruben is a testament to the people at HUFC and the path we are on as a club.”

Hills United FC Technical Director and former Socceroo legend Alex Tobin was equally delighted with Zadkovich’s appointment.

“Having a coach with Ruben’s profile who is philosophically aligned with where we are heading as a football club is incredibly positive. I’m really looking forward to working with Ruben and seeing the impact he can have across all of our programs.”

Zadkovich will get his first taste of NPL 2 NSW Men’s football tonight as Hills United face one of his former clubs in the Newcastle Jets at Valentine Sports Park with kick off set for 6:45pm – the match will be live and exclusive only on NPL.TV