The Halifax Wanderers have named the head coach that will take the club into 2023. 

Patrice Gheisar was announced as the second coach in club history on Wednesday afternoon in Halifax after a storied career in the Ontario soccer scene. Most recently, he led Vaughan Azzurri to an undefeated season en route to the 2022 League1 Ontario Championship. Gheisar was also named the league’s coach of the year.

Over three seasons as Vaughan’s full-time head coach, Gheisar posted a 41-2-5 record with a +114 goal differential between the regular season and playoffs.

The 47-year-old from Etobicoke, Ontario, was among over 80 candidates for the head coaching position from all over the world.

“My focus from day one has been to find a winner, a builder and a communicator, and throughout this extensive process, Patrice proved to be the best option for all three,” Wanderers Founder & President Derek Martin said. “Our ambition is to be perennial winners on and off the pitch, and I believe Patrice has the drive, passion, experience and relationships to get us there.”

Gheisar began his coaching career in 2005 with North York Hearts Azzurri before starting a 15 year-career at Vaughan SC in multiple capacities. He’s also coached with Toronto Metropolitan University, York University, and SC Toronto. Since 2019, he has juggled the head coaching job at Seneca College alongside his work with Vaughan.

“I work hard, and I’m proud of that. For me, it’s the higher the wall, the more I get out of myself,” Gheisar said. “Right now, the sky is the limit for the Wanderers, and it’s not about just doing better than last year, we’re going to try and go and be the best we’ve ever been and represent our city and fans at its best.”

A reputation for strong bonds with his players

Over his coaching career, Gheisar has been credited for his influence on numerous Canadian footballers. Four members of Canada’s World Cup team have previously played for the Wanderers’ new coach (Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Dayne St. Clair and Jonathan Osorio). 

“There’s no one more deserving in Canadian soccer to be getting this opportunity,” Men’s National Team defender Alistair Johnston said. “He has a love for the game that is unmatched, and I’m glad that Halifax is putting their trust in him because he is the right man for the job.”

Several other pros and over two dozen current or former CPL players have played on teams coached by Gheisar. And many more went on to play in the NCAA and U SPORTS. Just Googling his name will lead you to the profiles of players that take the time to recognize the influence of their former coach. 

“He pulls the best out of every one of his players,” Vancouver Whitecaps winger Ryan Raposo said after learning the news. “Not only is he tactically very smart, but he’s also very in tune with his players and the type of coach you would run through a wall for.” 

Building a winning culture

Gheisar prides himself on his winning record and his demands for the best out of each of his players. He wants his squad to reflect his values of desire and commitment to play with passion and on the front foot at all times. Especially in front of a sold-out Wanderers Grounds.

“No kid grows up saying, ‘I can’t wait to win 1-0’. I want to bring excitement to every game that we play,” Gheisar said. “Even when I was with Vaughan playing Halifax in the Canadian Championship, we went for the win, we played hard, we attacked, and we pressed. I want us to be on the front foot. We want the fans to love us because we work hard and love us because we pass the ball and make it easy on the eye.”

To build a team that meets those expectations, Gheisar knows what he wants to see from his players day in and day out. 

“We want people that will compete every day and have the highest desire to be better every day,” he said. “We need the right people with the right mentality. For me, if you do well, that’s great but now I have to push you more.

When I was with Vaughan, other coaches knew if players could survive Patrice, they were ready for anything and prepared for the next level.”

The work is already underway

With the new head coach officially signed, the Wanderers soccer operations staff continue on their task of building the squad that will take the pitch in 2023. Those wheels have been in motion since the 2022 season came to an end. 

“Our roster is well positioned to be shaped in a manner that matches Patrice’s vision and playing identity. The work has been underway throughout the hiring process to ensure we have the right players retained as well as our primary targets lined up to join the squad, improving in all the areas we identified for strengthening.”

With Gheisar’s appointment, the Wanderers will also welcome a new assistant coach, with Alejandro Dorado departing the club at the expiry of his 2022 contract. After discussions with Gheisar, Jan-Michael Williams will remain the club’s goalkeeping coach.

“It’s important Patrice surrounds himself with a staff he feels can compliment his approach to set himself up for the best chance of success. We want to take this opportunity to thank Alejandro for his role as Assistant Coach to Stephen in the 2022 season and wish him all the very best in the next steps of his coaching career.”

As Gheisar and Fegan continue to arrange their squad, the Wanderers will be announcing several roster moves in the coming weeks.