North Eastern MetroStars Soccer Club would like to advise that current Senior Coach Ivan Karlovic will be stepping down from his role at the completion of the 2014 SA National Premier League season.

Karlovic who led the club to an eighth Minor Premiership in 16 years of Federation football, advised that due to changes in personal and work commitments he could no longer continue in the role as Head Coach for next season.

Reflecting on his experience as Senior Coach, Karlovic said, “I am obviously extremely disappointed that I am unable to continue the hard work I have put in over the last 2 years. My commitments outside of football have increased and I wouldn’t be able to commit in a way the players and the club deserve. I am extremely thankful the club believed in me and gave me the opportunity, as a player and then a coach.”

“I have a huge amount of admiration and respect for my players and I hope they achieve the success they deserve, this season and beyond. They have been a phenomenal group to work with and can’t thank them enough, along with my Assistants David Martin and Nik Kuzman and the whole support network I have at the club,” said Karlovic.

Karlovic’s final commitments this season will be to lead the club into the National Premier League Finals Series to commence late September with the first round match against the Minor Premier of the Western Australian National Premier League.

“The job is still not complete and we will continue to the very end to give ourselves the best possible chance to be successful,” said Karlovic.

Club President Andrew Perrone praised Karlovic for his outstanding service to the club.

“Under Ivan’s guidance, the club has continued its outstanding record leading the club to back to back Premierships in 2013 & 2014. His passion and pursuit of excellence has been an example to all coaches and players; his impact has been felt throughout the club.”

“Moving forward there will be change, however I am extremely confident that the club structure is strong and that there are many quality people involved who will ensure that our program that Ivan and the club have put in place will continue to thrive.”

North Eastern MetroStars Soccer Club has appointed Michael Pirone as the new Seniors’ Head Coach of the club for season 2015.

Pirone, who played 53 matches for the club between 2008 to 2010, is known for possessing strong leadership qualities which he will bring to this side and has been an inspiration on and off the field at the club.

Club President Andrew Perrone was pleased to make the announcement.

“We didn’t have to search far. We’ve watched Michael transition from an outstanding player to various assistant roles under David Terminello, Rick Cerracchio and Ivan Karlovic. We are confident Michael has the coaching attributes and perfect cultural fit to pick up the reigns and lead our boys to a successful 2015 NPL and beyond,” said Perrone.

Pirone, who is currently the Reserves Coach at the club, was delighted with his promotion.

"I am delighted to be appointed as coach and thankful for the opportunity and faith that the club is placing in me. It's a great environment to work in and the culture within the club that has been built over a 20 year period has been pivotal in the clubs ability to remain a protagonist year after year” said Pirone.

Furthermore Pirone is looking forward to this new challenge.

“It's exciting as I see a good future throughout all three senior squads and I have been able to witness that first hand through my role this year as Reserves coach. Ivan Karlovic and Nik Kuzman have done a terrific job and this certainly evident by the results achieved so far this year. The style of football is also very pleasing and this is something I'm keen to have continue. I am certainly looking forward to being part of Metrostars future and working with a terrific group of players,” said Pirone.

Pirone will take over the duties of Head Coach at the completion of the National Premier League Finals Series in October.