Alex Smith to replace sacked Garrath McPherson as coach of Brisbane Roar women’s team

Brisbane Roar has wasted little time in naming a new coach for the club’s women’s team following the brutal sacking of Garrath McPherson.

Brisbane Roar’s women’s team has a new coach. Picture: Scott Gardiner/Getty Images

Brisbane Roar has appointed Alex Smith as coach of the club’s A-League women’s team after sacking Garrath McPherson.

Former Wellington Phoenix defender Smith was part of the Melbourne City women’s team coaching staff last season before linking with NPL Queensland club Peninsula Power.

“I’m extremely passionate about women’s football and am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Brisbane Roar and to support this immensely talented and eager group of women on their journey to success,” the 38-year-old Smith.

McPherson was axed on Monday night following Brisbane’s 1-1 weekend draw with the Central Coast Mariners.

After four rounds of the women’s season, the Roar is in fourth place on the ladder with seven points.

Garrath McPherson (above) has been replaced by Alex Smith as coach of the Brisbane Roar women’s team. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Roar chief executive officer Kaz Patafta said the club’s women’s program needed to be “rejuvenated”.

“We have set high expectations for our women’s team and want to see certain improvements across the board,” Patafta said.

“Alex brings incredible energy and an enormous breadth of experience to the club. His deep understanding of positive cultural and strategic leadership will enable the women’s team to thrive and deliver on-field success.”

“Our leadership team deeply cares about our women’s team and holds them to high expectations.

“We are focused on giving them the best resources, leadership and support to enable success and challenge to win the league.”

Originally published as Alex Smith to replace sacked Garrath McPherson as coach of Brisbane Roar women’s team