The rebuilding of Brisbane Roar has continued with the appointment of Ruben Zadkovich as Head Coach for the next two seasons.
Zadkovich, who last year took Perth Glory to within one win of the finals in his debut season as a head coach, first joined Roar as assistant to Ben Cahn in January before later being appointed Interim Head Coach following Cahn’s decision to take leave.
After recording statement wins over Melbourne City, Melbourne Victory and Western Sydney Wanderers in the period since, the former Socceroo has been handed the task of returning Roar to the upper reaches of the A-League table, with planning for next season already well advanced.
The appointment comes after the club revealed a significant improvement in its financial performance since the appointment of CEO and Chair Kaz Patafta and COO Zac Anderson last July, and as it prepares to detail a four-year strategy to make Roar self-sufficient.
“I’m well aware of the success this football club has had in the past,” Zadkovich said.
“It’s an honour to be appointed Head Coach at such a wonderful club. It’s a role I embrace with an overwhelming sense of pride, passion, and humility.”
“I am also very excited to embrace the opportunity to lead the club through the challenges ahead, with a dedicated staff line-up, an extremely loyal fan base, and a very committed group of players that can take the club upwards again.”
“In challenging circumstances this season, we have been supported by a strong membership base and match attendances, confirming just how loyal and passionate the Brisbane Roar fans are for their team and club.”
“I’m excited to be planning for next season in many facets of the club and football department.”
“We’re aiming to reward those loyal fans and members with the sort of attacking, dynamic football that encapsulates the Queensland spirit and football DNA that has brought the club success in the past.”
The former Socceroo, who represented Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, enjoyed a playing career in both Australia and England, representing Sydney FC, Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory, Derby County and Notts County.
“Ruben is one of a new wave of young Australian coaches who have made the A-League so exciting in recent seasons, and we’re delighted he’s committed to us for the next two seasons,” said Patafta.
“We feel we have a lot of young talent at this club and Ruben is the ideal figure and leader to help our Men’s team develop into another of the great Brisbane Roar teams.
“We have already begun planning what our senior squad will look like for next season with the aim of displaying a really positive brand of football.”
Brisbane Roar confirmed last week that Ben Cahn has formally resigned from his role, and the club can now confirm the technical, medical and high performance staff for the A-League Men’s team under Zadkovich next season.
His assistant coach, Chris Coyne, has also committed his future to the club, signing a two-year deal.
The A-League Men coaching staff includes Second Assistant, Graham Harvey, Head Analyst, Prashim Bhandari, Head of Physiotherapy & High Performance, Shane Carr, Head of Rehabilitation & Reconditioning, Jasraj Sidhu, Head of Strength & Conditioning, Daniel Favier, and Head Goalkeeping Coach, Frank Juric.
Isuzu UTE A-League Men Coaching Staff:
A-League Men Head Coach: Ruben Zadkovich
A-League Men Assistant Coach: Chris Coyne
A-League Men Second Assistant: Graham Harvey
Head Goalkeeping Coach: Frank Juric
Head Analyst: Prashim Bhandari
Head of Physiotherapy & High Performance: Shane Carr
Head of Rehabilitation & Reconditioning: Jasraj Sidhu
Head of Strength & Conditioning: Daniel Favier
