The Sydney Swans football department will be strengthened by the addition of Peter Berbakov, who is returning to the Club in a new role.

Berbakov, who was an assistant coach at the Swans until the end of the 2010 season, has been appointed as Planning and Operations Manager for the football program.

He will oversee the day to day logistics and operations of the Football program, and be responsible for strategic planning and research.

Berbakov, 38, has tertiary qualifications in sports science, business and IT, and played 52 games for Essendon.

He left the Swans at the end of 2010 to take a job as an assistant coach at St Kilda.

The Swans General Manager, Football, Dean Moore, said he was looking forward to having Berbakov back at the Club when he takes up the new position in November.

“This new role will be an important one, ensuring the components of the Football program are fully integrated, operating efficiencies are maximised and we are relentless in our search for ways to improve,’’ Moore said.

“Peter is highly qualified in sports science as well as business systems, and has a fantastic understanding of football and the Swans, so he has the perfect combination of skills for this position.’’

Berbakov said it was a great opportunity.  “I'm excited at returning to a club I have great passion for, and look forward to the challenge of a new role and helping maintain the Swans as one of the most respected and professional clubs in the AFL,’’ he said.