Overview
- Halifax confirmed the former Vancouver Whitecaps boss as its new head coach and general manager, with club president Derek Martin saying he pursued Sartini for months.
- Sartini steps into an immediate rebuild, as the Wanderers have nine players under guaranteed deals for 2026 and must rule on eight contract options by the end of December.
- The appointment follows Halifax’s October departure from coach Patrice Gheisar after a play-in shootout loss to York United, now operating as Inter Toronto FC.
- The 49-year-old Italian previously rose from assistant to permanent head coach in Vancouver, leaving in November 2024 with a 57-51-39 record across all competitions.
- He served an MLS suspension and US$20,000 fine in 2024 for public criticism of a referee, later reduced on appeal, and said after a year without a team he was eager to return to the sidelines.