Tasmania’s Coach of the Year lands new Queensland job with an NPL return the mission

Jon Fenech has landed his next coaching role, with the 2026 NPL Tasmania Coach of the Year appointed to lead Gold Coast United’s push back towards NPL Queensland.

Fenech has been named Gold Coast’s QPL1 men’s head coach, returning to Queensland following a memorable two-year spell as Football Director and NPL men’s coach at Kingborough Lions United in Tasmania.

“I’m excited to be joining Gold Coast United and taking on the project ahead,” Fenech said.

“There’s a real opportunity to build something special and help re-establish the club as an NPL team. I’m looking forward to working with the players and staff and embracing the challenge together.”

His final season in Tasmania proved historic after guiding Kingborough to their first Lakoseljac Cup triumph and, with it, a maiden Australia Cup Round of 32 appearance, where the Lions welcomed A-League giants Melbourne Victory to Lightwood Park.

Fenech’s work was recognised with the 2026 NPL Tasmania Coach of the Year award, while he was also appointed coach of the Tasmania Men’s State Team.

Fenech subsequently made the decision to leave Kingborough and return to Queensland to be closer to his daughter.

Now his next football challenge has been revealed. Gold Coast United have turned to Fenech as they attempt to re-establish themselves in Queensland’s top flight, handing him responsibility for a senior program with ambitions of returning to NPL Queensland following relegation this year.