Postecoglou commits to Brisbane

A-League winning Brisbane Roar coach Ange Postecoglou has re-signed at the club for two more seasons, ending talk of a move to Melbourne.

Postecoglou’s future at the club was under a cloud after the club’s owners handed back their licence to Football Federation Australia, despite the Roar’s Grand final success over the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday.

He had been linked with the vacant Melbourne Victory coaching position in his home town. But, after discussions with FFA chief executive Ben Buckley, Postecoglou opted to re-commit to the Roar on Friday.

“Ever since we started to build something in Brisbane I have said that I was very keen to stay and continue the work that we began,” Postecoglou said in a statement.

“It was always a long-term vision and it is fantastic to have the opportunity to see it through and I am very pleased to be able to continue here in Brisbane and see how far we can go.”

Buckley praised the impact Postecoglou has had on the Roar after taking over at the club just 18 months ago.

“In his first 18 months at Brisbane Roar, Ange has not only turned the fortunes of the club around but set new benchmarks around success and the quality of the football displayed on the pitch,” Buckley said.

“Earlier this week I said we would make it a priority to clear up the uncertainty around the coaching position at the Roar and I am pleased that we have been able to achieve that.”

Brisbane swept all before them this season, losing just one match on route to their first A-League success.

Buckley said it was important for that path to be allowed to continue in the immediate future.

“Brisbane Roar is an incredibly important part of the Hyundai A-League and ensuring Ange Postecoglou can continue what he has started in Brisbane is another significant step in the development of football in this country,” Buckley said.

“I can assure the people of Brisbane that the Roar, with Ange in charge, will be given every opportunity to remain highly competitive in the Hyundai A-League and we look forward to what Ange can deliver not only for Brisbane Roar but for the greater Brisbane sporting community.”

“The Grand Final we witnessed on Sunday was a great advertisement for the game and the Hyundai A-League and it showed the true quality and calibre of the competition.”

“FFA will work tirelessly in the off season to leverage the success of the Grand Final and continue the momentum that wonderful spectacle created for the Hyundai A-League.”