John Aloisi is set for a testing return to the A-League coaching ranks after he was confirmed as Brisbane Roar’s new coach.
Aloisi will direct “all football operations” with the three-time champions in his first senior role since he was sacked as coach of the then-Melbourne Heart in December 2013.
The 39-year-old will join the Roar in June with his first game in charge to be the glamour friendly against Liverpool at Suncorp Stadium on July 17.
“I am extremely proud and honoured to join Brisbane Roar,” Aloisi said.
“The club has defined success in the first 10 years of the A-League and I am determined to ensure the high standards the Roar players, members, sponsors and supporters have come to expect continue under my stewardship.”
The legendary ex-Socceroo won just eight times in 39 matches at the helm of the Heart, who were bought out by Manchester City and rebranded the month after Aloisi’s exit.
Aloisi guided the Melbourne club through a run of 17 consecutive games without a win before the axe was swung.
But departing Roar chairman Chris Fong – who reportedly asked Ange Postecoglou for advice in finding a successor to title-winning coach Mike Mulvey – believes Aloisi is the “perfect fit” to launch the club’s new era.
“John brings to the Roar a passionate understanding of Australian football and the A-League,” Fong said.
“I am impressed by his determination to succeed and the fresh focus he will bring to the club.”
Aloisi has been with Melbourne Victory since February as a development coach for their sides in the National Youth League and National Premier Leagues, while also appearing on Fox Sports as a pundit.
His second chance comes amid a period of huge instability at Brisbane, which is facing a multi-million dollar loss this financial year and is on the hunt for a new chairman following Fong’s announcement this week he would be stepping down.
Club owners The Bakrie Group are battling significant financial issues of their own, and a new joint ownership model with a local consortium could be on the cards.
Influential director of football Ken Stead and managing director Sean Dobson have both recently left the club with commercial director David Pourre installed as interim chief executive.
Caretaker coach Frans Thijssen is likely to stay on until Aloisi’s arrival, with the Roar to face Spanish La Liga side Villarreal in a friendly in Brisbane on June 3.
Waz
Guest
I'd agree, possibly Wanderers if he fancies playing football in an atmosphere ;-)
Stevo
Roar Rookie
City. You read it first here ;)
Lionheart
Guest
It would be nice to have Ivan back, but do we have room for him?
Lionheart
Guest
Umm, if members buy their own tickets how does that cost the club money?
Bondy
Guest
Also Ivan Franjic needs to find himself a Club real soon too .
Bondy
Guest
Waz I'd suggest that wont work with Frans Thdijssen as TD I hope it does but it doesn't make a great deal of sense an almost demeaning position for Thdijssen ....
Realfootball
Guest
Fussball has long been an obnoxious bullying pedant on these threads. Nothing is overly harsh where he is concerned.
Realfootball
Guest
Ridiculous over simplification. I repeat: please do follow your own advice and stick to MV threads. Or stick to FACTS, not shallow pejoratives.
Realfootball
Guest
Brisbane Roar Supporters Forum. Early reaction was very hostile - later reaction more even. My post was early in the action.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Waz Believe me there were a lot of Roar fans - including your comrade Realfootball - who were highly critical of Mulvey & wanted him out 12 months before you guys won the Double. Funnily enough, many of those fans were also critical of Ange when the National Team weren't winning. And, of course, our friend Realfootball was scathing in his ridicule of Kevin Muscat when he was appointed coach of MVFC. :-D
Waz
Guest
Big rumour at my club tonight after training that Frans Thdijssen has been retained as TD. Hmmmm, there had to be a twist didn't there ..
Waz
Guest
Same boat with Kaluderovic, personally I think he's gone well and our issues up front are elsewhere. Steff - I'd let go but maybe move to coaching. Theo - love that guy but now would be time to move on to free up cap money (Wanderers maybe?) Lustica - same here, I could happily see him go though. Solorzano - he's not working for us so as a visa player we should get rid.
Steve
Guest
Agreed, I think there is some big decisions for Aloisi to make with the squad before the season begins. Steffannuto for one, Petratos, Id even be questioning Theo at this point, these would be the first three Id move on. Lustica I still haven't made up my mind on whether he is good or not. Anyone know if kaludravic is staying or going?
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Hmmmmmmmmmm. Was a cheap-as-chips option first time but had media presence. Roar, you peaked once now for a time in the football wilderness.
Waz
Guest
Steff is still there - Stead was to offer him a new contract apparently but Fong said wait for the new coach. Love Steff but we can't have him occupying a key position on big money sadly
Waz
Guest
It's a valid point Fuss, fans views can be driven by emotion not logic so although they shouldn't be ignored I wouldn't necessarily base any decisions on them. Roar fans have been complaining about Fong, Dobson and Stead - all three have now gone. The one person they didn't complain about was Mulvey who went very early in our little soap opera. I'm a Roar fan and I think most of us have become a little too good at complaining this season, with good reason perhaps, but a little too good all the same
Waz
Guest
That's about it Mathew - without blowing this out of proportion it's not looking a bad call, the club had itself in a mess from about this time last year but we've now cleared the decks and can start rebuilding around a very promising young squad.
Midfielder
Guest
Massive Massive Massive BREAKING NEWS The US government is charging ten senior FIFA officials with fraud from the NY Times
Bondy
Guest
matthew_gently "What I like most is that a rookie Australian coach is being given another chance to establish himself. " I agree then they Aloisi, Popovic, Muscat etc can challenge Ange to be National Team Manager ...
matthew_gently
Guest
I think you speak common sense, Waz. My first reaction was WTF, but I've since come around to thinking it's actually quite promising. I remember writing a comment on here some time back that, at City, Aloisi had so little luck with injuries and misfiring strikers that it was scarcely believable. What I like most is that a rookie Australian coach is being given another chance to establish himself.