Perth Glory has confirmed head coach Ruben Zadkovich has quit the club after just one season in charge to "pursue other opportunities elsewhere".
Zadkovich, 37, spent two years at Perth Glory as a player from 2014 to 2016, before he was announced as the club's head coach on a two-year deal exactly one year ago, after several seasons in the team's backroom staff.
The club finished ninth last season, winning just seven games.
That was an improvement on the four-win campaign they endured the previous season, which saw the club finish last.
Zadkovich thanked Perth Glory chairman Tony Sage for handing him the reins.
"I'd like to thank the Chairman, Mr Tony Sage, for entrusting me with the role of head coach of Perth Glory," he said.
"To be given the responsibility of rebuilding the club's football department into a competitive side again has been a very rewarding process.
"This has undoubtedly been a very challenging time for the club, but we have shown a huge improvement over the last 12 months in many facets of the club's operations and I believe that key foundations for the club's future success have been laid."
Leaving a 'difficult' decision
Zadkovich said his departure was a difficult decision, saying coaching the club had been "an absolute privilege".
"I'd also like to thank the club for granting me an early release to pursue opportunities elsewhere," he said.
"This was a difficult decision for me to make.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed working with a wonderful group of players who have given their all to this rebuild.
"I'd like to thank the very dedicated group of staff members for their constant support and their amazing work ethic during my time in charge.
"Most importantly, I'd like to thank the heartbeat of the club, the members and fans."
Glory CEO Anthony Radich acknowledged Zadkovich had taken charge in difficult circumstances and made a valuable contribution to the club.
"On behalf of everyone associated with Perth Glory, I would like to sincerely thank Ruben for all of his hard work, commitment and professionalism," he said.
"We accept and support his decision to explore and pursue new career opportunities and wish him and his family all the very best in their future endeavours."
