Western United can confirm that the following players and staff will depart the Club ahead of the 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.
With Noah Botic’s landmark transfer to Austrian Bundesliga side FK Austria Vienna and Michael Ruhs’ move to Brisbane Roar both confirmed this week, the quartet of James Donachie, Kane Vidmar, Riku Danzaki and Ramy Najjarine have also departed the Club at the conclusion of their contracts.
Donachie and Vidmar move on with 41 league appearances between them at the back and a goal each over the last two seasons.
Najjarine played 33 times, scoring one goal and registering three assists, while Danzaki totalled six goals and 10 assists in 49 league games.
Western United General Manager of Football Mal Impiombato thanked each player for their impact at the Club.
“On behalf of everyone at Western United, I would like to thank each player for their major contributions to a significant time for our Club,” he said.
“Each player has played their part in our move to Ironbark Fields over the past 18 months and represented our badge and our values with pride in our community.
“On the pitch, they have been part of, statistically, the best regular season in our history to date and they will each be remembered fondly for their commitment to our Club.”
Also this week, Western United confirmed the departure of Club legend Andrew Durante, bringing to an end a spectacular six years of service to the Green and Black.
Alongside Durante, fellow A-Leagues legend Michael Theo has made the decision to not return to the Club in order to spend more time with his young family.
Arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the competition’s history with five Championships as a player, Theo furthered his legacy into coaching by adding a sixth winners’ medal at Western United in 2022 and shaping some incredible seasons from the likes of Jamie Young and Matt Sutton.
Admitting it was a difficult decision to move on from Ironbark Fields, Theo reflected on a fantastic four-year stint at the Club.
“I depart the Club with nothing but fond memories. To be a part of the Championship-winning team and having had such a successful campaign last season are some highlights just to name a few,” he said.
“The future is exciting for the Club with such an array of young talented footballers. I look forward to seeing their continued development.
“I would like to thank everyone associated with the Club, in particular John Aloisi for giving me the opportunity to be part of something special. I wish everyone nothing but the best for the future.”
Strength Coach Louis Mazza and Team Manager Daniel Hutchison will also conclude their roles in the A-League Men program after a number of years of service.
Impiombato added his thanks and gratitude for the success that all three men have had in their roles at the Club.
“Michael joined the Club in 2021 and has left a lasting legacy for others to follow. His experience and guidance provided to both emerging and experienced goalkeepers is something for which both the Club and the individuals will be forever grateful,” he said.
“Both Louis and Hutch commenced as interns at the football club and have played an integral part in our success. Both will continue their association with the Club in different capacities and we thank them for their years of continuous service.
“Michael, Louis and Daniel have been highly-valued members of our men’s football department and we are fortunate to have been able to have such great people and contributors to our Club’s success.”
Everyone at Western United thanks all three for their years of commitment and wishes each of them nothing but success in their respective future endeavours.
