John Aloisi stands down as head coach of the Brisbane Roar

Brisbane Roar has started its search for a new coach with John Aloisi standing down after a run of poor results intensified the heat on his position.

Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi reacts during the Round 8 A-League match between Brisbane Roar FC and Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Friday, December 14, 2018. (AAP Image/Jono Searle) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Brisbane Roar has started its search for a new coach following the resignation of John Aloisi.

Aloisi, in charge since mid-2015 and the Roar’s longest serving coach, quit on Friday following the club’s poor start to the season.

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Darren Davies, brought to the club this year by Aloisi as an assistant coach, has been named interim head coach ahead of the Roar’s clash against Sydney FC at Jubilee Stadium on Saturday night.

Aloisi’s brother and assistant Brisbane coach Ross Aloisi remains employed by the club and travelled to Sydney with the team.

The length of Davies’ tenure is unknown.

John Aloisi has stepped down as Roar coach. Picture: AAP

“The chairman and the board will start searching for Brisbane Roar Football Club commencing immediately and we’ll update that once that search has been concluded,” Roar managing director David Pourre said.

“We’re just focused now on the game against Sydney and going forward.”

Pourre would not comment on the terms of the departure with Aloisi contracted until the end of the 2019-20 season.

The Roar finished third on the ladder in Aloisi’s first two seasons in charge, and again made the finals last season when they placed sixth.

But Brisbane have started poorly this season, winning just one of nine matches and losing their past four games.

The Roar has struggled under Aloisi this season. Picture: AAP

“For the past three and a half years, I have given every minute of my life to make the Brisbane Roar a success,” Aloisi said

“Upon reflection of the current situation, I have made the difficult decision to stand down effective immediately as I believe this is in the best interest of the playing group and football club.”

“Everybody knows the challenges of the past few years and I’m proud to have made the finals each season, qualified for Asia and have gone within a point of winning the Premiers Plate amid all of that.”

“I cannot thank the players and football department enough for their support during all of the obstacles we have collectively faced and wish everybody connected to the club – the owners, the players, the fans and the staff – the absolute best for the balance of the season and beyond.”