Having been turned down by Nick Montgomery – now the top target at Melbourne Victory – and linked with a number of foreign coaches, Wanderers have opted for Glory mentor Stajcic.
Wanderers board member, Jefferson Cheng – general manager of the Philippines women’s team successfully coached by Stajcic – has spearheaded the drive to bring him to the club in recent weeks.
And it appears the Filipino businessman has been successful, with an announcement thought to be imminent.
Billionaire Lederer said his decision to step down had nothing to do with the ongoing upheaval at the club, which just missed the playoffs last season, attributing the decision to “family and business” concerns.
“It’s a 100 per cent right than I’m no longer going to be chairman,” Lederer told FTBL. “I’ve got issues regarding the health of a family member I need to devote time to, as well as increased business issues, and to do the Wanderers job properly you need to devote a hell of a lot of time.
“I’m just not able to do that anymore. If you do it half heartedly you get half hearted results.”
Still a co-owner, Lederer said his financial commitment to the club would be unaffected.
“My commitment there isn’t going anywhere it remains strong and will be there in perpetuity. One of the other shareholders will assume the chairmanship.”
Lederer declined to confirm whether Stajcic – to be replaced at Perth by Sydney FC assistant David Zdrilic – had got the job, saying that was an announcement the club would have to make.
“I wouldn’t comment on that,” he added. “That’s for the new chairman to say and if that’s his decision that’s his decision.”
It’s unclear whether Lederer’s resignation will affect the status of close confidant and sometime sporting director Eddy Bosnar, who has been heavily involved in the quest for a new coach and, along with Lederer, favoured a Dutchman recommended by Graham Arnold.
The looming arrival of Stajcic, recipient of the wooden spoon with Glory last season, may perplex some fans, though in mitigation he was unable to sign players or build a team at Perth as they languished financially before unveiling new owner Ross Pelligra.
FTBL understands a sticking point for former Central Coast and Hibernian boss Montgomery in taking the job was a disagreement with Bosnar over the club’s future recruitment strategy and protocols.
Victory have since made an official approach to the A-League championship winner, who also has options in England and has already rejected a number of offers in India.
Lederer believes WSW will recover from the turmoil of recent seasons and are in “excellent shape” moving forward.
“My term as chairman has been an incredible ride and I’m not complaining,” he said.
“I’ll still be there each week rain, hail or sunshine to watch the team – you can count on that.”