'One of the standout figures' in NPL NSW is back at Bankstown City - this time as coach

Bankstown City have their new coach head - one who is tasked with spearheading the club’s promotion charge in NSW’s second tier.

Panny Nikas is back in Bankstown. The former Lions junior returns following the departure of Fabian Miceli, who moved on after the Round 15 loss to Newcastle Jets in Football NSW League One.

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Widely regarded as “one of the standout figures in the modern NPL Men’s NSW era”, former Sutherland Sharks and Sydney United star Nikas vacated his position as head coach of Western Sydney Wanderers’ senior academy team in the NPL to fill the void left by Miceli.

Bankstown are third in Football NSW League One - the state’s second tier. They are two points outside the promotion play-off spot and six points adrift of league-leading Blacktown City through 15 rounds.

This is a club with history. A sleeping giant of the NSW game. Bankstown haven’t played in the state’s top flight since 2011. They even spent four seasons in the third division between 2018 and 2022.

“The club welcomes Panny Nikas, former Lions junior and decorated player and coach, to the position of Bankstown City Lions Men’s First Grade Head Coach, effective immediately,” the club said in a statement.

“Vacating his role as head coach of Western Sydney Wanderers’ NPL Men’s NSW side, Panny brings professionalism, knowledge and experience and is already instilling his philosophy and style at Jensen Park with the playing squad.”

Bankstown are away to Rydalmere Lions on Saturday night.