Cue the off-season rumour mill: Vanni Sartini is close to joining the Halifax Wanderers as their new head coach, according to Jordan Wilson of OneSoccer.
While Wilson notes the deal isn’t yet finalized, the Wanderers confirmed earlier this week that they will announce a new head coach on December 10, suggesting the move is likely nearing completion.
The Italian spent six seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps — the last four as head coach — winning three straight Canadian Championships and posting an overall record of 57 wins, 51 losses, and 39 draws across all competitions.
Vanni is best known for his personality — consistently advocating for improvements in the local game and, above all, speaking his mind without a filter.
Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini after his side defeated LAFC 3-0 in Game 2 of the #MLS playoffs 🎙 #VWFC
— TrueNorthFoot ⚽️🇨🇦 (@truenorthfoot) November 4, 2024
📸 Ali Arabpour pic.twitter.com/hw9hluhzpx
The Wanderers parted ways with head coach Patrice Gheisar after a disappointing end to the season, losing at home to York in the opening round of the playoffs and bowing out at the earliest stage possible.
"We have built one of the most attractive opportunities in North American soccer here in Halifax, but the reality is that we have not yet found success in the big moments on the pitch, and that needs to change," Halifax Wanderers Founder and President Derek Martin said in October after Gheisar’s dismissal. "The next head coach of the Wanderers will have a clear mandate to build and lead a team capable of bringing a championship to Halifax and have full control of constructing our roster."
