With Ange Postecoglou favourite to become Australia’s next national football coach, this Friday’s clash against the club he coached to back-to-back championships, Brisbane Roar, could prove to be his last game in the A-League for some time.
As a Roar fan, I could not say enough about how grateful I was that he coached my beloved team.
When he left to return home and coach Melbourne Victory, I was gutted but given hope that he’d done enough to leave the club in a good position.
After narrowly losing to Perth Glory in Round 1 of 2012/13 and thrashing the team he ventured to (Melbourne Victory) 5-0, I was optimistic.
I was so optimistic I jumped the gun and predicted the Roar would become the first team to win three grand finals in a row.
After that, everything fell apart, and despite convincingly beating Victory 5-0, it would be Ange who prevailed once again as his side would finish third in what was another hotly-contested season.
I began to miss what Ange had brought to Brisbane Roar and I started to develop just a hint of resentment and jealousy, just as I’m sure many other Roar fans did too.
So often he spoke of building something special, a dynasty, a legacy, but to our surprise he up and left after winning our second championship.
I could understand and respect the decision he made, for being a father myself, I know how important family is. It still didn’t change the fact I would become envious.
I was envious of what Ange was capable of, for he was now going to do to Victory, what he did to the Roar – make them a real contender, a title threat.
Now, I don’t fully support the likely decision Football Federation Australia will make to appoint Ange Postecoglou the head coach of Australia, but I do want him to succeed.
Do I think he will? Well if his form being an A-League coach is anything to go by then I guess we’re in safe hands.
Though how will Melbourne Victory cope without him?
Will the quality of coaching he has brought to the A-League take a hit?
Are there any other coaches qualified enough who will be capable of taking the league to the next level in terms of quality coaching?
These are all confronting questions that we will face in the coming days and for the rest of the season, but if his last match does end up being Friday’s match against Brisbane Roar, then I hope its one match that both Roar and Victory fans will savour.
And one that Australian football fans will remember forever.
Regardless of whether he gets the job, he is a testament to the A-League, will never be forgotten and will always be welcome back with open arms.
Here’s to Ange Postecoglou.
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