Andrew Christiansen accepts role with Mariners
Manly United Technical Director Andrew Christiansen has accepted a position as the Assistant Coach with the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League and will finalise his commitments with Manly United.
Andrew spent three years as Manly United Technical Director and follows former Manly United coaches John Kosmina and Phil Moss, who departed the club in previous years to a forge career in the A-League.
“Andrew has done a wonderful job as the Technical Director at Manly United and although we are very sad to see him move on, we are excited for the opportunity that is now in front of him with the Central Coast Mariners,” said Manly United CEO David Mason.
“Manly United is committed to providing our players the opportunity to be the best they can, and we afford the same commitment to our coaches and staff.
“We will therefore celebrate Andrew’s progression with the same pride and excitement as we do with Lucas Neill, Cameron Peupion, Remy Siemsen, Gianni Stensness, Ally Green, Calem Neiuwenhof, Harry van der Saag, Pat Wood, Jake Holman and the many others who are now playing in the A-League, W-League and beyond.”
Christiansen, who coached in both the junior and senior programs at Manly United before he became Technical Director was excited about his opportunity but sad to be departing Cromer Park.
“I am excited about moving into the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners but it is with a heavy heart that I leave Manly United, which has been like a second home for me,” Christiansen said. “I started with the junior teams and worked my way up to become Technical Director.
“I will always be grateful to Manly United for helping me become the coach I am today and it has given me the perfect grounding for what I hope will be a successful coaching career.
“I may be moving on from my role but I have made lifelong friends at Manly United and I look forward to staying in touch, watching games when I can and keeping an eye on the teams and players.”
Succession planning is part of the Manly United culture and current Head of Youth Sam Gallagher will step into the role in an interim basis immediately as he has an intimate understanding of the culture, processes and more importantly the players and coaches.
Sam is a former A-League player himself, a Young Socceroo, current member of the First Grade squad and has been coaching at Manly since returning from Europe three years ago.
“Manly United has a long tradition of continuity, which has been the cornerstone of ensuring we are one of the most successful and consistent Clubs in the NSW NPL and is how Andrew was elevated to the Technical Director role in 2019 after several years at the club in a coaching capacity,” Mason said.
“Sam will work closely with Head of SAP Joe Fox, who will continue the work he does with the SAP age groups and Development squads and the pair will spend the next period shaping what our program will look like when we return, through the trial period, through to Christmas.”
Gallagher said: “I’m looking forward to working hard to make sure Manly United continues to be a successful, well-run club that gives players the opportunity to be the best player and person they can be,” Gallagher said.
“I love this club and the people here and I have no doubt we will all work together to continue the work Christo put into the club. Myself, Christo and Joe Fox worked very closely so I’m confident the transition will be smooth for the players and coaches.
“Christo has done an amazing job and has already been pro-active in making sure we have a clean handover and will continue to be a sounding board.”
The Manly United Board will spend the next few weeks undertaking a process to consider the staffing arrangements for next season and beyond.
