Former Heidelberg United and South Melbourne coach Len McKendary passed away over the weekend aged 83.
The highly respected coach was known to be extremely knowledgeable and detailed in his application and was a top-class coach who was attentive to accuracy.
A notable name in Victorian soccer, McKendary saw success everywhere he went – winning championships at both United and Hellas.
During the golden era of Heidelberg from 1980-1982, McKendary guided the club to winning the NSL Top 5 Grand Final in 1980, its first major trophy in the NSL era.
He would depart to coach elsewhere, but returned in 1990 to return the club to glory, winning another championship in the VPL and bringing United to the NSL by winning the promotion playoffs for the 1990/91 season.
He coached 102 games for United, for 60 wins, 17 draws and 25 losses, a near 59 per cent win rate.
After his initial run with the club, he joined Green Gully SC for the 1983 season, where he coached 13 league fixtures, losing just one game, before catching the eye of South Melbourne during the season.
At his new club, McKendary once again made history as the first coach to secure a national title for South Melbourne, winning the 1984 NSL Championship.
He also coached now defunct Greek based club East Richmond Jaguars.
The clubs took to social media to share their condolences with his family and friends and to also remember the legacy he left behind.
