Melbourne Victory\u2019s decision to dump coach Arthur Diles is part of the club\u2019s plans to be \u201cbold and unapologetic\u201d next season.<\/p>\n
NewsWire revealed on Monday night that Diles had not been offered a new deal by Victory, with the coach being told of his demise a few hours earlier despite having been involved in player recruitment and retention discussions.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday morning, Victory confirmed Diles\u2019 departure in a club statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel now is an appropriate time to make this change, viewing this juncture as an opportunity for the club to continue to evolve and build for success both today and tomorrow,\u201d Victory chairman John Dovaston said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would personally like to thank Arthur for his efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Victory managing director Caroline Carnegie said Diles had \u201calways fulfilled his duties with the utmost professionalism\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe extend our thanks to him for the role he played both on and off the pitch while at the club, and of course, wish him all the best for the future,\u201d Carnegie said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an important time for us to be bold and unapologetic in our ambitions as a club, and we will look to do just that ahead of next season.\u201d <\/p>\n
Contenders to replace Diles include former Macarthur FC coach Ante Milicic and ex-Western United star Alessandro Diamanti.<\/p>\n
Both have had discussions with Victory director of football John Didulica.<\/p>\n
Diles, 44, guided Victory to last season\u2019s grand final after taking over as coach from Patrick Kisnorbo in December 2024.<\/p>\n
This season Victory finished fourth on the ladder before being knocked out in the first week of the finals by Sydney FC. <\/p>\n
In 50 A-League games in charge of Victory, Diles won 20, lost 17 and drew 13.<\/p>\n