Manly United appoint Ian Crook as Technical Director

Manly United has appointed highly respected football coach and Technical Director Ian Crook as the club’s new Technical Director.

Crook joins Manly United after spending the last eight years as the Technical Director at the Western Sydney Wanderers, playing an integral role in starting and developing the A-League club’s Academy program.

Crook has also had coaching experience with Northern Spirit, Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets, Avispa Fukuoka and Norwich, where he made 418 appearances in the English Premier League and Championship as a player.

Crook brings a wealth of football experience to Manly United and continue the club’s proud tradition of developing young players to be the best possible player and person they can be.

“It is with great pleasure that we announce that Ian Crook will be the new Technical Director at Manly United,” said Manly United CEO David Mason. “Ian has one of the best football minds in the country and combines a sharp football knowledge with keen eye for talent and development.

“Manly United players and coaches will be in good hands under the guidance of Ian and we look forward to working together as a club to improve and develop our players and teams.”

Crook will officially start his position in October as the club makes plans for the 2023 season and beyond.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a club like Manly United,” Crook said. “I have always admired the way the club operates and the players and teams that it has produced over a sustained period of time,” Crook said. “They have wonderful facilities and people, and I am really excited to be able to join the club and work with all of the players and coaches to take the place forward.”

Crook will take over from departing Technical Director Sam Gallagher, who is moving to Perth with his young family.

Gallagher has been with Manly United as a player, coach and Technical Director for a long period and has had a huge influence on the club and its culture.

“Sam has been absolutely amazing for Manly United as a player and then as a young coach and matured into a wonderful technical Director,” Mason said. “We fully support his decision to move to Perth with his family and we know he will continue to make a positive mark on football when he settles in Perth.

“Sam will steer the club through the rest of the 2022 season and hand over the reins to Ian Crook with an incredibly solid platform.”