Four-time national championship winning coach Ange Postecolgou was announced as the inaugural A-League All Stars coach on Monday.
In what is anticipated to be a monumental occasion, the A-League representative team will lock horns with English powerhouse Manchester United at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on July 20.
After 15,000 votes were registered by the game’s fans, Postecoglou narrowly won the race to head the coaching ranks.
The Victory boss captured 36.8 percent of votes, narrowly edging out Western Sydney’s Tony Popovic on 36.2 percent, while Central Coast Mariners boss Graham Arnold came in third place at 15.4 percent of the votes.
Verified by the governing body’s innovative selection criteria, Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop is putting his words into practice by committing to his motto of fan engagement and listening to the game’s supporters.
Fans will play an imperative role in picking the A-League All Stars, with voting opening this week, and running through until April 30.
When the fan voting culminates, the A-League All Stars team will be selected as follows: 50 percent fan vote, 20 percent expert panel vote, 20 percent player vote via the PFA Team of the Year system.
The final 10 percent will be in the hands of Postecoglou, who will have full authority over the final three players selected to make up the 18-man squad.
“This is a chance to showcase the A-League to the world, taking on one of the biggest clubs in world football,” Gallop said.
“This is not just a one-off match, it’s the creation of an annual event that celebrates the most popular players and coaches in the A-League.
“Even more importantly A-League fans have the opportunity to make their mark on the selection of the team via the All Stars website.
“The Foxtel A-League All Stars is unique in the Australian sporting calendar and will play at a time when the vast majority of our 1.7 million grassroots participants are active.
“With a packed winter sports schedule this match gives our huge grassroots base the chance to celebrate what has been an incredible A-League season eight and prepare for what is set to be an even bigger season nine.”
After leading Brisbane Roar to back-to-back A-League championships – going on a breathtaking 36-game unbeaten run and breaking the Australian sporting record in the process – and reviving Melbourne Victory towards the top of the competition’s mantle, there’s little surprise to see Postecoglou given the opportunity to lead the A-League All Stars in their first-ever appearance.
Some were disappointed not to see the Wanderers’ Popovic at the helm of the All Stars, given his side’s extraordinary rise to fame this season.
The new boys are on the brink of winning the Premier’s Plate in the club’s maiden A-League campaign.
A win over cross-town rivals Sydney FC on Saturday night will see the expansion outfit win its first piece of silverware.
It would be a remarkable accomplishment, particularly when the club was only brought into existence just months prior to this current campaign.
While Popovic may feel a little aggrieved to come so close, it’s no shame losing out to a coach of such great expertise, experience and prowess.
Postecoglou’s impact on Australian football – in both the NSL and A-League era – is a clear illustration of the talent at his disposal.
For the 47-year-old tactician, it’s an opportunity for redemption. In 2000, he led erstwhile NSL giants South Melbourne into the inaugural Club World Cup, where his side was ultimately defeated 2-0 by Manchester United.
“It’s an honour to be voted in by the fans and a thrill to be the coach for the first All Stars game,” Postecoglou said.
“It’s a concept that is sure to grow legs and become a mainstay in our football calendar. I think there will be massive interest in this game.
“After a couple of months without A-League football fans can start to get withdrawal symptoms, it’s a great way to cut short the wait for football fans.
“After three seasons coaching in the A-League I think people know the type of football I want to play and I’m looking forward to putting together a team with the fans that can do that.”
The All Stars concept is a tremendous initiative by FFA, one which will see the event hosted on a yearly basis.
Taking a lead from our American neighbours, the All Stars fixture will allow the competition to showcase its talents on the world stage – an advertisement which further illustrates the growing maturity of our domestic football, and the game’s reach around the globe.
While scheduling is a hard task to master, the only downside for this grand event will be the absence of A-League based Socceroos players, who will be on national duty at the East Asian Cup finals – contended by Australia, Japan, South Korea and China.
Despite this, the A-League All Stars model will be a great success. Each year, FFA will attempt persuade big club’s to venture down under for this annual event.
Given the numerous parallels between the A-League and MLS, it would be great to see a regular All Stars match-up between these two competitions – possibly sharing the event every two years.
Scheduling may be an issue, given the different month-allocations for their respective seasons, but it will be one which will draw much fan-fare, and of course, draw to the conclusion of which league is the superior.
Make it happen, FFA.
Courtesy of Goal Weekly
Follow Robbie on Twitter @RobertDiFabio
brandon
Guest
yes i totally agreee, i said this as soon as we started thinking of bringing it into aus football. MLS ALLSTARS v A league allstars over a home and away series would be awsome! would mean the team would actually have something to play for
Frank Bellissimo
Guest
The All Stars will be a great success, because this season has also been an unprecedented success for the A League. Players like Del Piero will be in it, whether or not he will be brilliant on the day because there is great interest and a fascination in watching him play. A super marquee on our soil- that is the key, plus there is real momentum in the world game in Oz. The quality of the rest of the team will also bring great interest. But the league is still too careful, bringing in one team only. AP will have little time to make any real impact on the players. There should be at least 3 games with the All Stars with three teams coming from all over the world, I'd like them to come from Europe. That will whet any footbal lover's appetite.
Ian
Guest
yes i saw that too. that was a good line.
Ian
Guest
Victorioso went on the attack with me also Kellett about similar issues. Doesn't matter what you write, he has figured it out in his head what you 'really meant' and your response is secondary. He's jealous. if any Roar fans say they had mixed feelings about how Ange left its 'you have issues'.......no one can question how AP acts.......which now he's at MV this season there are some differences to being at the Roar. (I must have said that because i have issues). I voted for Ange also.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Just saw Offsiders and Ange reckons he'll need his 3 picks for defenders and everyone will vote for attacking players :D
Realfootball
Guest
Did you take steroids like Ben too?
Cameron
Roar Guru
Andyroo, Fuss and Matt, I have not fully immersed myself into this actual fixture for i'm not 100% committed and on board even though I understand the significance it could play. Somewhere along the way I must have missed the explanation or simply did not grasp the understanding. I appreciate your help. I honestly did not understand, so thank you.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Strong AP issues? What are you on about? I like Ange Postecoglou. I am very appreciative of what he aided in bringing to the Brisbane club and although I miss his experience and expertise, i'm ok with the fact he moved on. So based on what I wrote (which you should re-read) how do you come too the conclusion I have AP issues.
Andyroo
Guest
Kellet the 3 players Ange personally chooses has nothing to do with his 10%. It's an extra feature. The %s weighting are to do with the other 15 players. It's not a % of players in the squad it's a % of 'votes' on those 15 players. So after the PFA, and the Fans vote is added Ange can chuck his 10% on. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
@Kellett_1992 Methodology to pick A-League All-Star 1. Calculate the weighted votes for each player available for selection: Weighted vote for each player = Σ [(0.5 x Fans votes) + (0.2 x Expert Panel votes) + (0.2 x Player votes) + (0.1 x Ange Postecoglou votes)] 2. After this voting process, every available player will have a "Weighted vote" 3. The 15 players chosen will have the highest "Weighted votes" to comply with the formation & positions that Ange requires for his team. 4. After this process, Ange picks 3 players who he wants in the team, but they didn't score adequate weighted votes.
Victorioso
Roar Rookie
Wow I didn't know some Roar fans still had strong Ange Postecoglou issues. After this season is over I think Roar supporters need a group therapy session where they can bring all their 'In Rado We Trust' t-shirts and Mulvey Out banners and discuss the serious issues they have with the management of their football team.
Matt F
Roar Guru
As far as I understand it, the three players that Ange picks are not subject to the weighting system. They're essenatially "coaches picks." The weighting only covers the other 15 players and Ange's views count for 10% when those 15 players are selected.
Cameron
Roar Guru
I hope more than 15,000 votes are casted.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Fuss, "Yes, it is simple mathematics but your understanding of “weighting votes” is flawed." I would like for you to explani to me how: 10% equals THREE players in a team of 18. IF simple maths is to apply this would equal 1.8 players. Because we can not have an 8th of a player we can just round this number up to TWO. It says, in the article, in which I am not having a go at the writer but the information presented by the FFA in which the writer has used - "The final 10 percent will be in the hands of Postecoglou, who will have full authority over the final three players selected to make up the 18-man squad." Please explain to me what "weighting of votes" means so I can fully grasp and understand this concept??? You provided me with nothing of value in your reply as: 1. Based on information we have, the size of the squad will be 18 players (7 on the bench) - That was indicated already (size of squad and obviously 7 being on the bench as 11 are on the field (duh). 2. Ange picks 3 players of his own - Article again already states this!! 3. I understand 50% are selected the fans but I question the percentages offered. So again please explain to me what "weighting of votes" means, for clearly my simple mathematics is flawed.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I hope we remember to vote for defenders
Caleb Shepherd
Roar Guru
MLS A-Starts V ours sounds absolutely mint!
Ballymore
Guest
Not my thing but each to their own. Early indicators are it be will be huge a success, so credit to the FFA. AP will ensure his team play in the right manner. I'm far more interested in the Socceroo's June games. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
"Isn’t that just basic maths" Yes, it is simple mathematics but your understanding of "weighting votes" is flawed. 1. Based on information we have, the size of the squad will be 18 players (7 on the bench) 2. Ange picks 3 players of his own. 3. The 15 other players will be picked by votes that are cast by fans, an expert panel, A-League players & Ange after applying a predetermined "weighting" to the votes.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Nice article, as usual, Robbie. I've followed the A-League since its inception & Man United since 1976, however, exhibition matches no longer hold any fascination for me, but I'll support the All-Stars concept all the way through voting for coach/players & watching the game on TV. Given the way tickets for the game sole out within minutes, the FFA has picked a winner - financially, with the media & with the event-watching public.
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Bad idea in my opinion. I can remember a long time ago (Australian Soccer Federation days) we had a tournament played in Sydney with a leading English club (Man U) and one from Italy and an Australian Rep Team, which flopped badly.. This will be the same---a once off then forgotten...