Trevor Morgan named as new coach of Young Socceroos

Ernie Merrick’s appointment as FA’s chief football officer has led to a new role for the organisation’s former national technical director.

Football Australia’s coaching reshuffle has continued, with Trevor Morgan shifted from the now redundant role of national technical director to the position of Young Socceroos coach.

The change comes hot on the heels of A-League championship-winning coach Ernie Merrick’s appointment as FA’s chief football officer.

With previous NTD duties now part of Merrick’s CFO position, Morgan’s talents will be put to use with Australia’s under-20 team.

Morgan will also serve as an assistant to recently appointed Australia under-23 (Olyroos) coach Tony Vidmar.

Vidmar will fully embark on the task of securing the Olyroos’ 2024 Olympic Games qualification at the completion of his job as Socceroos assistant coach following this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

In the absence of Vidmar, Morgan guided Australia to fourth at this year’s U-23 Asian Cup.

“I am pleased that in my new scope of work I will not only be able to dedicate myself to the Young Socceroos and Olyroos, but be empowered to continue to think holistically and strategically about how we identify and develop top Australian talent,” said Morgan, who will work closely with Merrick.

“My focus will be to help the organisation improve the pipeline of elite Australian footballers available to be selected for our national teams, particularly between the crucial under-17 and under-23 age bracket.”

Football Australia is pleased to announce that Trevor Morgan has been appointed to a new role at the organisation.https://t.co/Jedj4FBZ9J

— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) August 3, 2022

Morgan’s priority is to ensure the Young Socceroos qualify for next year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia.

To guarantee a spot at the tournament for the first time since 2013, Australia must finish in top four at next year’s U-20 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan.

“Players that feature at FIFA youth tournaments regularly go on to forge strong careers for both club and country, so it is vital that we formulate a plan to ensure that the best players we have coming through this age group are exposed to high-quality matches against a diverse range of international opponents,” Morgan said.

FA chief executive officer James Johnson said: “Trevor is one of Australia’s specialists when it comes to youth talent identification and development, so we are delighted that he will coach the Young Socceroos and assist Tony with the Olyroos, while continuing to lead and contribute to other key technical projects for the organisation.

“Trevor will continue to play an important role in identifying and mentoring senior national team players of the future, but he will also provide great support and counsel to our new chief football officer Ernie Merrick.”

Originally published as Trevor Morgan named as new coach of Young Socceroos