Ange Postecoglou has resigned as coach of the Brisbane Roar, two days after guiding the club to their second consecutive A-League title.
• Brisbane claim dramatic A-League title
Postecoglou, 46, had been heavily linked with the vacant Melbourne Victory job
in the weeks leading up to Brisbane's grand final triumph.
A National Soccer League championship winner as a player and coach with South
Melbourne, Greek-born Postecoglou is now expected to return to Victoria to take
on the challenge of reviving underachieving Victory.
"I would like to express my gratitude to the owners, players and football
staff of the Brisbane Roar,'' Postecoglou said in a statement.
"Their commitment and belief has created history for this club.
"I have been very proud to lead such an outstanding group of men, and I wish
the club every success in the future.''
Brisbane will make an announcement on the now-vacant role of Roar head coach
on Wednesday with Postecoglou's assistant manager, Rado Vidosic, tipped to take
over.
"The Brisbane Roar would like to thank Ange for his commitment to the club
over the last two-and-a-half years, and the considerable role he has played in
its success,'' Roar director Chris Fong said.
"We respect how difficult this decision was for him and we wish him well in
his new endeavours.
"Ange's departure marks the beginning of a new chapter in the story of the
Brisbane Roar, and we are committed to ensuring we have the right people in
place to continue the club's legacy with further successes.''
The Brisbane squad also released a statement to thank Postecoglou for helping
the club to its dominant position.
"He has been a huge part of many of us being at the club and helping to drive
us to the success we have enjoyed over the past two seasons,'' the statement
read.
"We wish Ange every success in the next step of his career. While we appreciate all the effort he has put in, we are now focused on the
next chapter in the club's history.
"As a playing group we are committed to the club, it's ideals and philosophies
and will continue to work hard in pursuit of future success.''
Roar came from behind to defeat 10-man Perth Glory 2-1 in controversial
circumstances in Sunday's A-League decider at Suncorp Stadium.
Albanian striker Besart Berisha, the league's top scorer this season, went to
ground to win a penalty deep into injury time, slotting home the spot kick to
win the match for Brisbane in the 97th minute.
It was the Roar's second title triumph in two seasons after they defeated
Central Coast Mariners on penalties in last year's grand final.
Postecoglou took over at Brisbane in October 2009, replacing Frank Farina.
During his time in charge the Roar embarked on a record 36-match unbeaten run
while they also became the first club to retain their championship crown in the
A-League era.
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