Brisbane Roar is delighted to welcome Garrath McPherson back to the Club as its new W-League Head Coach on a multi-year deal.
The appointment marks a welcome return to the Roar for the 38-year-old, who previously spent three seasons with the team as an assistant to Mel Andreatta.
That period included the Premiership-winning 2017/18 campaign and McPherson has continued to build considerable experience since contributing to that success.
He heads up the state’s National Training Centre program and coaches the Queensland Academy of Sport side in the NPL Women’s competition, positions that have seen him play an integral role in the development of many of this season’s squad members.
“Excited is the first word that comes to mind,” said McPherson, a former Male Champion of the Year nominee at the annual rebel Female Football Awards.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with players I’ve worked with previously, players who have come through our development systems and programs.
“It’s exciting for me to lead the next step in the Club’s mission, which is to give Queenslanders – whether they’re adopted Queenslanders or born and bred here – opportunities to play at the top level and continue progressing towards national team representation.
“I feel honoured to be able to continue the hard work that has been done by so many great people over the past decade.
“The club has always been extremely supportive, back when I was with the team previously and now with providing this opportunity.
“I cannot wait to get on the pitch with the players and staff and get stuck into our preparations. Queensland has always had an incredibly strong footballing community and it’s going to be awesome to see everyone in the stands on our first matchday.”
LOCAL FOCUS: Queensland-centric approach to drive progress
Roar CEO David Pourre said the Club identified McPherson as the ideal candidate to drive the strong Queensland focus that has strategically been adopted in the run-up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
“I’m very pleased to welcome Garrath back to Brisbane Roar at this really exciting time for our W-League program,” Pourre said.
“Garrath knows what it takes to be successful in the W-League, having worked closely with Mel Andreatta for many years, and he’s someone we trust to set those standards.
“At the same time, we think he’s incredibly well-credentialled in player development environments.
“That’s going to be very big for the Club, and very important for football in Australia given the wonderful opportunities ahead of our game.
“There is so much to look forward to and so many talented players in this state. We want to reward their hard work and give them a platform to play at the top level.
“We look forward to seeing Garrath harness that potential as part of a team that will make our fans and Queenslanders very proud.”
