The players provided so many highlights during the 2017 Westfield FFA Cup but we also saw a few coaches enhance their reputations as master tacticians.
From masterminding upsets over Hyundai A-League opposition to guiding some of their players to breakout performances, the coaches shone brightly throughout the competition.
Here we look at four coaches from the PS4 NPL clubs to have stood out during the 2017 edition of the Westfield FFA Cup.
MARK CRITTENDEN (Blacktown City)
“Critto” has enjoyed a stack of success with the Demons in the PS4 NSW NPL over the last few years and we saw his coaching prowess in the Westfield FFA Cup this year.
Not only did Blacktown stun Central Coast Mariners in the Round of 32, they went within 10 minutes of pulling off what would have been a massive boilover against the Wanderers in the quarters, losing on penalties.
Crittenden has a great ability to improve his players, with winger Mitch Mallia earning a Hyundai A-League deal with Perth Glory following Blacktown’s Westfield FFA Cup run.
CHRIS TAYLOR (South Melbourne)
Taylor’s coaching ability has been known – especially in Victoria’s PS4 NPL - for many years now and he transferred that onto the national stage in 2017.
With his side playing some sublime attacking football, Taylor guided South to wins over Edgeworth Eagles, Sorrento and Gold Coast City to make the semi-finals.
While they were eventually overrun by eventual winners Sydney FC in the semis, Taylor’s reputation was certainly enhanced.
And he showed his commitment to the cause, cutting short a family holiday in Bali to dash back for the semi-final clash at Lakeside Stadium.
GEORGE KATSAKIS (Heidelberg United)
Katsakis is Heidelberg through-and-through and his passion and love for the club filters through into the way his side plays.
Getting the best out every member of his squad, Katsakis manufactured one of the best performances of this year’s competition as United knocked out two-time finalists Perth Glory 1-0 in the Round of 32.
After then beating Sydney United on penalties in the Round of 16, Heidelberg’s run was only ended by a Nikola Mileusnic-inspired Adelaide United in the last eight.
But his attack-minded philosophy and nurturing of stars like Kenny Athiu, Sean Ellis and Harry Noone proves Katsakis wouldn’t be out of place coaching at a higher level.
GAVIN RAE (Hakoah Sydney City East)
Rae is one of the rare breed these days that mixes his coaching while still playing.
It probably should come as no surprise the ex-Scottish international shone during the Cup, bringing his experience from a career in Europe that saw him play in an FA Cup final as well as the UEFA Champions League.
And he looks to have a big career as a coach as well after guiding unfancied Hakoah to the last 16, which included a nine-goal thriller which ended in a 6-3 win over Hills United.
