Kingston City has appointed former South Melbourne coach, Con Tangalakis as the replacement for long-serving Nick Tolios, who departed the Grange at season’s end to take over at neighbouring Bentleigh Greens.

Tangalakis comes to the Grange after an eventful year, which began at Lakeside as coach of NPL 1 team South Melbourne and ended at John Cain Reserve as a caretaker coach at NPL 2 club Northcote City, covering for his close friend Peter “Gus” Tsolakis, who was away on a long planned family holiday overseas. The two were also co-coaches at Oakleigh Cannons which they led to a losing NPL Grand Final in 2016.

In other news, Tangalakis’ former club South Melbourne has re-appointed the man who replaced him as coach early into the 2019 season, Esteban Quintas as head coach in season 2020. The 40-year-old Argentine led South to a mid-table finish in season 2019 and will be looking to improve on that finish next season. Quintas will be joined in the dugout by South Melbourne centre back Luke Adams as an assistant coach. Adams’ appointment comes after he sustained a long-term ACL injury late last year, which has sidelined him indefinitely.

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Another loyal centre back who many believe could have a future in coaching is Heidelberg’s Steven Pace who this week announced his retirement from the game. Much-loved and respected within the Berger’s community, the 36-year-old retires after six seasons at Olympic Village during which he played 159 games and scored 12 goals. Together with skipper Luke Byles, he formed the backbone of one of the NPL’s best defences, helping the team win numerous trophies including a hat trick of Premiers Plates, a Victorian NPL Championship, an Australian NPL Championship and a Dockerty Cup.

Long-serving Heidelberg United defender, Steven Pace (L) has announced his retirement following a successful playing career at Olympic Village. Photo: HUFC.com

In other signing news from around the grounds, 2019 NPL semi-finalists Oakleigh Cannons have announced a string of player re-signings over the last week or so. The re-signings are headed by NPL Player of the Year, midfielder Joe Guest, who has agreed to another three years at Jack Edwards. Also re-signing for the club on two year deals are utility Ryan Paczkowski, forwards Wade Dekker and Goran Zoric and midfielder Matt Foschini.

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