By Phil Lutton
Brisbane Roar has confirmed star coach Ange Postecoglou has quit the club, effective immediately.
Postecoglou has been extensively linked with Melbourne Victory despite a last-ditch effort from Roar owners, the billionaire Bakrie Group, to keep him in Brisbane.
Ange Postecoglou greets fans at the Roar's victory parade today.Credit: Phil Lutton
Just this afternoon, Bakrie spokesman Chris Fong spoke of his confidence of securing Postecoglou's services but it appears their efforts may have fallen short.
Postecoglou's decision comes just hours after his side was lauded by thousands of fans in Brisbane for winning its second consecutive grand final.
Postecoglou leaves the Brisbane Roar after 2½ years and two grand final victories. He came to a club in turmoil after the Frank Farina era and turned them into a domestic football benchmark.
"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."
Club director Chris Fong paid tribute to Postecoglou's impact on Brisbane Roar but emphasised his departure would not derail the club's determination to become an powerhouse of Australian and Asian football.
"The Brisbane Roar would like to thank Ange for his commitment to the club over the last 2½ years and the considerable role he has played in its success," 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."
Brisbane will announce current assistant Rado Vidosic as the new coach tomorrow.