A conflict of interest, a sudden coaching vacancy and a major NPL WA appointment

Olympic Kingsway have moved swiftly to replace Neil Kilkenny, appointing NPL Championship-winning head coach Callum Salmon on a two-year deal following an extraordinary coaching shake-up in Western Australian football.

Salmon arrives at Kingsway after seven years with Perth RedStar, bringing an impressive record of silverware to one of NPL WA's leading clubs.

The appointment follows Football West informing former Socceroos midfielder Kilkenny last week that his position as a development officer presented a conflict of interest with his coaching role at Olympic Kingsway, ending his tenure at the club.

Kilkenny had been appointed for the 2027 campaign, stepping up from his role as assistant coach, having joined Olympic midway through the 2026 NPL WA season to work alongside another ex-Socceroo in Richard Garcia.

Kingsway have now turned to Salmon, who guided RedStar to the 2023 NPL WA Championship, having also won the 2022 Top Four Cup and 2024 Night Series during his time at the club. He also led RedStar into the Australia Cup Round of 32 in 2024.

For Salmon, the opportunity to join Kingsway was too significant to turn down, despite the emotional decision to leave a club where he had spent seven years.

“When I received the offer from Olympic and weighed up what my future looked like and where I could coach next it was an easy decision to make although a very difficult and emotional step to leave Redstar after the last seven years,” Salmon said.

“It's no secret Olympic have been hugely successful since being promoted into the NPL and their significant achievements on and off the field are admired by every club in WA.”

Kingsway president Steven Nelkovski welcomed the appointment, praising Salmon's ability to combine success on the pitch with player development.

“Callum is an exceptional coach and leader,” Nelkovski said.

“Callum has an exceptional record of winning trophies while also developing young talent.”

Salmon is already targeting further silverware with his new club as Kingsway prepare for the next chapter following Kilkenny's unexpected departure.

“Kingsway have many excellent players, top quality staff and a club that we will work hard to win more leagues and trophies in the seasons to come,” he said.