The Brisbane Roar have announced Warren Moon as their new head coach, after the sudden departure of his predecessor Robbie Fowler.
Fowler, who took the reins in April 2019, departed the club late last month due to the coronavirus pandemic which had halted the 2019-2020 A-League season and a desire to be with family in Britain.
Moon played for the club in the Roar’s inaugural A-League game in 2005 and more recently coached NPL Queensland outfit Lions FC.
He returned to the Brisbane Roar last September and was appointed head of the club’s academy system, a “reinvigorated” program he will continue to oversee in his new role.
Speaking today, Moon described his new position as a “great privilege”.
“As one of the club’s inaugural players, Brisbane Roar has always meant a great deal to me. It was an honour to return to the club in its academy, and now to continue as head coach of its A-League squad.
“There’s plenty to play for this season and plenty of work to be done in the coming weeks. I’m excited for the challenge ahead and looking forward to working closely with a terrific group of coaches and a highly talented playing group.”
Brisbane vice-chairman Chris Fong lauded the signing of a local coach, and was quick to point out his strong ties to football in the state.
“The club was focused on appointing an Australian coach as its next head coach and we are pleased to announce our new head coach is not only Australian, but a terrific advocate for Queensland football,” Fong said.
“He has had wonderful success in the NPL QLD, played a key role in our academy, was a foundation player for the club and is now becoming the leader of our A-League team.”
“His coaching credentials speak for itself and we believe Warren has the experience and ability to continue building our club to the top of Australian football.”
The announcement settles a turbulent fortnight for the club, with Fowler’s departure forcing Moon and assistant coach Darren Davies to take charge of training for the season’s resumption.
Moon’s first match as head coach comes on Sunday night, as the fourth-placed Roar resume their season against seventh-placed Adelaide United on the Gold Coast.
BennoFootball
Just stating .... Why Not the game in My Beautiful City of BRISBANE??? Let’s Fill Suncorp Stadium!!! Anybody from anywhere are ALWAYS Welcome .... FORZA BRISBANE ROAR FOOTBALL CLUB!!!
Griffo
Roar Guru
Hopefully in time there will be more teams in A-League A1 and A1, and before that a second division, to give more Aussie coaches the time they need to grow. In the long run the more Aussie coaches that can then make it overseas, the better in that part our game will be.
At work
Roar Rookie
I'm happy to see an NPL coach be promoted with a full-time A League gig. There's no reason clubs shouldn't recruit from there more often instead of international journeymen who would cost much more in salary.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Many of us called for Warren Moon a year back, before Fowler was appointed. It's a step up from NPL but he did well there with Lions, and with our Academy team. I congratulate him, and wish him all the very best.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
I admire your passion Benno, but it's just dumb otherwise. We always welcome Gold Coast fans, any time.
BennoFootball
Good Luck to The BRISBANE ROAR FOOTBALL CLUB!!! Pity the club is playing another game of Football in an Area ( so called gold coast ) that has been ANTI Brisbane, the Beautiful City that I love. Just to let the rest of Australia know .... this Area Hates Us in Brisbane and since the Floods of 1974 has tried to big note itself as the Capital. While I was growing up we used to call this area The South Coast of Brisbane .... if the people there, wish to be part of us again .... We BRISBANE Welcome Them back again as The BRISBANE SOUTH COAST!!! FORZA BRISBANE ROAR FOOTBALL CLUB!!!