While remaining with the Bears, Jaliens has had several offers to move to Europe to further his coaching career and it is envisaged that he will make the move some time in 2020.

The Bears had a stunning rise under Jaliens, finishing fifth on the ladder just one point outside of semi-final action.

"We are very pleased to have a high calibre coach in Leo join our team," Bears president Rod Henderson said.

"We are excited for Kew, we always knew his desire to coach in Europe and expect our relationship with him to last for many years to come. Leo and Kew will work very closely together over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition."

Jaliens is in Europe and meeting with clubs to see which offer his will take.

Bertos, 38, played more than 250 professional games in a career with Barnsley, Rochdale and Chester City in the UK and Perth Glory and Wellington Phoenix in the A-League.

He also represented New Zealand in 50 plus games including playing in all matches in the 2010 World Cup.

"I am thankful to Weston for giving me the opportunity to further my coach development in the NNSWF NPL," Bertos said. "The club has a rich history in our region and I was excited to hear about where the club wants to head in the coming years.

"I am looking forward to meeting the staff and the playing group and working hard to continue the progress Kew and the squad have had over the last couple of years."

Assistant coach Craig Stoker will stay on his role and the Bears have strengthened their youth and SAP system with the appointment of former Emerging Jets coach Chris Akins as technical firector and club legend Trevor Morris as the mentor for the SAP coaches.

The club has retained the majority of last year's squad including veterans Nathan Morris and Robbie Turnbull and have signed attacking midfielders Jarryd Sutherland from Hamilton and Connor Heydon from Adamstown.

Regan Lundy has signed with Charlestown, Cooper Buswell is having the season off and and Jason Tjien-Fooh has returned to Holland.