Socceroos coach hunt: FFA casting net far and wide in search for Ange Postecoglou’s replacement

GRAHAM Arnold, Tony Popovic and Ante Milicic are all in the running as uncontracted coaches from all over Europe show interest in leading the Socceroos to Russia 2018.

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ANGE Postecoglou’s replacement may not be appointed until January, with Football Federation Australia chiefs inundated with foreign expressions of interest in the job.

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Uncontracted coaches from the Netherlands, Germany, England, France and Italy are among the dozens who want to lead the Socceroos to Russia 2018, but FFA refused to discuss domestic or overseas names.

It is understood that Tony Popovic would consider a dual club-Socceroos role for the 2018 World Cup, although FFA chief executive David Gallop said a Guus Hiddink-style 2006 role was unlikely.

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Popovic could play a factor in Australia’s World Cup fortunes regardless — it is believed he is considering signing a handful of Socceroos in the January transfer window for his Turkish club Karabukspor.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold remains a frontrunner, but highly-rated Socceroos assistant Ante Milicic will firm as a contender if FFA decides to continue down the Postecoglou path.

Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak refused to anoint Postecoglou’s successor, but hoped a thorough process would be conducted by FFA.

“It’s not for me to say exactly who and what. I’m sure everybody at FFA are doing their utmost to try and get the criteria in place. I’ve got no doubt they’re doing that as we speak,’’ Jedinak said.

“The people above, in the decision making positions are probably collating all of the information and having meetings about what they want to do and how they want to do things going forward.

“You just hope that whatever decision is made, it’s done thoroughly and whenever there is an appointment, we move on.”

Ante Milicic could be a contender depending on the path the FFA take.

Gallop said they were considering local and foreign options.

“We’ve had a number of agencies contact us already representing a range of people. We’ll work through a process which gives those people an opportunity to put their hat in the ring,’’ Gallop said.

”There are big advantages to an Australian coach, but it doesn’t guarantee the position will go to a (local).

“There’s likely to be a panel process, but it’s too early to say who might be on that panel. Ultimately the appointment will be made by the FFA.

“It’s way too early to talk about specific people in relation to the Socceroos coaching position.

“We’ll put together a criteria and a process in coming weeks, but it would be highly unlikely we’d be looking at anyone that wants to carry out a club role as well as a Socceroos role.

Tony Popovic may bring a number of Socceroos to Turkey in January.

“The Socceroos coach needs to take an acute interest in the junior national teams and the whole pathways program in the Socceroos.

“It would be problematic to expect someone to be able to give their full time attention to two jobs.

“Everyone needs to cool their heels a bit and wait for the process to unfold.”

Originally published as Socceroos coach hunt: FFA casting net far and wide in search for Ange Postecoglou’s replacement