Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources
Career & Clubs
Born in Fairfield, Sydney, New South Wales, Zadkovich had previously played for English Football League club Notts County, scoring on his debut against Chester City, as well as Queens Park Rangers and Australian side Wollongong Wolves. He has also made several appearances for the Young Socceroos, most notably at the FIFA World Youth Championship.
Sydney FC
Following his time in England, Zadkovich returned to Australia in late 2005 and trialled for Sydney FC. He travelled with the squad to the FIFA Club World Championship and despite not making an appearance he impressed coach Littbarski, being called in as a short-term replacement for injured Ufuk Talay late in the season. After a 12th-minute debut off the bench against Queensland Roar, Zadkovich scored on his first start, against Perth Glory, during Sydney's run to the inaugural A-League championship, earning him a two-year full-time contract. He was allowed to leave the club in March 2008.
Derby County
On 17 April 2008, it was revealed Zadkovich had signed a two-year deal with English club Derby County, although his registration was unable to be completed before 1 July. Zadkovich made his Derby debut as a second-half substitute against Norwich City at Pride Park in October 2008, in a match which Derby won 3–1. He struggled with injuries during his time at Derby and, after seven appearances for the club, cancelled his contract by mutual consent on 23 January 2010.
Newcastle Jets
On 6 April…
Zadkovich made his debut for Australia at right-back in the last home game of the first round of the 2010 World Cup qualifications, against China, at ANZ Stadium on 22 June 2008. He took part in the 2008 Olympics with Australia. He scored from close range in a 1–1 draw with Serbia, Australia's only goal in an unsuccessful campaign.
Broadmeadow Magic
Zadkovich's first foray as a club manager arose when he was announced as the manager for Football Northern New South Wales club Broadmeadow Magic.
Hills United
Zadkovich was appointed manager of Hills United in September 2020, leaving the role one month later.
Perth Glory
Zadkovich was appointed assistant manager of Perth Glory in October 2020. In March 2022, he was named interim head coach of the Glory following the departure of Richard Garcia. The 2021–22 season ended with Glory finishing bottom of the A-league table for the first time in their history. He was appointed as permanent head coach in May 2022. During the 2022–23 season, news surfaced that Zadkovich had punched midfielder Giordano Colli during training, with the coach moving quickly to dispel any notion of a rift. Zadkovich departed Perth Glory after his first full season in charge, following a ninth-placed finish.
Brisbane Roar
In January 2024, Brisbane Roar appointed Zadkovich as assistant to Ben Cahn for the remainder of the 2023–24 season. Soon after, Zadkovich was elevated to the head coach position, when Cahn went on long-term medical leave due to thyroid cancer and throat surgery. He managed the Brisbane Roar team that took part in 2024 Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy in India. Brisbane Roar's start to the 2024–25 season was disastrous, where they set a new club record of 13 games without a win. They also broke the A-League record for…
- Club
- Sydney FC (2006–2008)
- Club
- Notts County F.C. (2005–2005)
- Club
- Newcastle Jets FC (2010–2014)
- Club
- Derby County F.C. (2008–2010)
- Club
- Queens Park Rangers F.C. (2004–2005)
- Club
- Perth Glory FC (2014–)
- Club
- Australia men's national under-20 soccer team (2005–2005)
- Club
- Australia men's national soccer team (2008–)
- Club
- Sydney United FC (2006–2008)
Legacy
Player
Sydney FC
A-League Championship: 2005–06 Australia U20
OFC U-20 Championship: 2005
Manager
Broadmeadow Magic
National Premier Leagues Northern NSW Championship: 2018
Clubs
- Australia men's national soccer team2008current
- Perth Glory FC2014current
- Queens Park Rangers F.C.2004–2005
- Australia men's national under-20 soccer team2005–2005
- Notts County F.C.2005–2005
- Sydney FC2006–2008
- Sydney United FC2006–2008
- Derby County F.C.2008–2010
- Newcastle Jets FC2010–2014
Played together with
Aaron HughesQueens Park Rangers F.C. · 2014–2014
Abdenasser El KhayatiQueens Park Rangers F.C. · 2016–2017
Abdiel ArroyoNewcastle Jets FC · 2019–2020
Abdoul CamaraDerby County F.C. · 2016
Adam LegzdinsDerby County F.C. · 2011–2014
Adam SmithDerby County F.C. · 2013–2013Adam TaggartNewcastle Jets FC · 2012–2014
Adam TaggartPerth Glory FC · 2010–2012
Adam TaggartPerth Glory FC · 2016
Ade AkinbiyiNotts County F.C. · 2009–2010
Adel TaarabtQueens Park Rangers F.C. · 2009–2010
Adel TaarabtQueens Park Rangers F.C. · 2010–2015
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Ruben Anton Zadkovich is an Australian football manager and former player and former head coach of Broadmeadow Magic, Hills United, Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar. He played for six clubs in a career that spanned between England and Australia. Zadkovich was also capped for Australia, representing the Socceroos on three occasions.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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