Experienced mentor Darren Davies has joined the BRFC coaching ranks for the upcoming season.
Davies has an impressive resume at the highest level, firstly working as a Head Coach at the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS), taking charge of future Hyundai A-League players such as Brandon Borrello.
More recently, he’s worked as an Assistant Coach for Melbourne Victory and the Young Socceroos, and was invited by former Socceroos Head Coach Ange Postecoglou to serve as members of the Australian coaching staff during the 2017 Confederations Cup.
“I’m thoroughly enjoying being back. I’ve been away a little while but I loved my time at the QAS. We had a good bunch of players and a lot of those went on to play for the Roar and I’ve followed their careers,” Davies said.
“I’ve always had a soft spot for Brisbane. Everybody has made me feel really welcome.
“First and foremost, the playing group have been phenomenal. There’s a real hunger to improve and learn and they have been excellent. It really gives you an appetite to come in and do right by them.”
Following six years at the Victory, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou and Kevin Muscat, the Welshman is excited by the opportunity to work in the BRFC coaching set-up, led by Head Coach John Aloisi.
“I enjoyed myself at the Victory and I had some very good times there,” Davies continued.
“My loyalty is with Brisbane Roar and John [Aloisi] and I’ll be doing everything to make sure we beat them, both this weekend and throughout the season.
“When John rang me a few months ago and suggested I come onboard, my mind was instantly made up. I have enormous respect for both him & [Assistant Coach] Ross [Aloisi]. I knew the kind of culture that they had developed within the club and that I would fit straight in.”
Davies is hoping his experience of elite coaching throughout both youth and senior ranks can assist the squad’s development throughout the 2018-19 season and beyond.
“It’s a really good learning experience to be in charge of young players and then watch them come through and develop. There’s a difference in the way you have to speak to and educate players when they’re wide-eyed 16-17 year olds and then years later when they’re established first-team players,” he continued.
“I think I bring a different voice and some different knowledge. I’m learning off the other coaches as well – it’s great to work under somebody new with new ideas and new structures and vice versa too. If we can combine all those ideas, philosophies and structures, it’ll hopefully be a successful blend.”
Brisbane Roar will travel to Morwell, Victoria this Saturday for a mouthwatering pre-season fixture against Melbourne Victory (KO 2:30pm) as preparations continue for season 2018/19.
BRFC Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Coaching Team
Head Coach – John Aloisi
Assistant Coach – Ross Aloisi
Assistant Coach – Darren Davies
Goalkeeping Coach – Jason Kearton
