United's run of four consecutive promotions has led it to State League division three north-west and an unprecedented peak for the club formed in late-2005.

But Inglesi, last year's captain, will not be part of the on-field action this year after a left knee reconstruction in December stemming from an injury against FC Strathmore in the final match.

Inglesi was appointed to assistant coach, while senior teammates Antonio Angerami and Adrian Giordano joined him in retirement. "The injury was in the last match of the year, while I was trying to guide a ball out of play," Inglesi said.

"I knew instantly it was serious."

The knee reconstruction was the biggest injury setback Inglesi, 37, suffered in a career that included stints with Brunswick Juventus and Werribee when the teams were state premier league outfits.

Predominantly a central midfielder, Inglesi dropped back to sweeper at the end of last season.

A good working relationship with United coach Norm Mancuso has Inglesi confident his transition to the sidelines will be a smooth one.

The two have known each other since their teens when they were players at Brunswick Juventus.

"I said to Norm and the president that I'd like to play a role fast-tracking our juniors. There are a group of players that are around 17 and 18 who I want to help push up and play in the senior team," he said.

"Coaching is something I've always wanted to do, passing on what I know."

Essendon United's pre-season has consisted of the Greek Cup, a 3-2 loss to state league two south-east team Dandenong City a week ago, and a 2-1 win against Melbourne University at the weekend.

Pre-season preparations will finish with a match against provisional two north-west team Western Eagles this weekend.

The club is hoping for signatures from a number of prospective recruits doing their pre-season with the team.

Having come from the clouds with nine wins from the last 12 games to gain promotion last year, United can expect an equally tough time and close division in State League three.

Essendon United coach Norm Mancuso said it was an exciting time for the club's core group as new faces arrived.

Goalkeeper Spiro Dimitropoulos will be captain for the United seniors this season.