He is taking on a team that has been relegated for the past two seasons and is at its lowest ebb in more than a decade in Football Federation Victoria's north-west men's provisional league one.

Under the tutelage of Kit Greechan, the team was one of the more competitive in state league division two.

But a combination of factors, including the departure of star players and poor form, has left United in fragile shape.

Lakic, a former Fawkner, Werribee and Western Eagles coach, has flagged a massive turnaround for the team as soon as next season.

"The club hasn't put any pressure on me, but I'd say a top-three finish would have to be the aim," Lakic said.

The Westmeadows resident said he had already attracted seven players to the club to help fill the gaps left by a long departure list that includes star player and best and fairest Volkan Kalayci, who is set to join his brother Kaan at Hume United next season.

"There's a few players that have come across from my time as coach of the Fawkner under-21 team."