Quick moves afoot in national coach search

SO who will choose the new Socceroos coach?

FFA chief executive David Gallop will clearly have a central role, and FFA tells us it is going to use a “specialist international sports recruiter” to source names.

But there is talk of some manoeuvring going on around the FFA board.

Former board member Phil Wolanski, a confidant of Frank and Steven Lowy, was removed as “head of delegation” by former coach Ange Postecoglou soon after he took over, on the basis it was inappropriate for a director to be part of the Socceroos camp.

But it has been suggested Steven Lowy is considering adding Wolanski to those looking for a new coach, a position of considerable influence.

Meanwhile new Western Sydney Wanderers coach Josep Gombau says Postecoglou’s resignation as Socceroos coach is a major loss for Australian soccer, but he does not aspire to replace the departed national team boss.

The Spaniard was saddened by Postecoglou’s decision to stand down from the role, having worked as one of his assistants for 18 months.

“I was wishing that he would remain, because what he did for this country is amazing,” Gombau said.

“He brought a philosophy to the Socceroos and the way that they play.

“He had a vision that Australian teams can play good football and can play attacking football and never fear any team.

“Australian football has lost something very big. But if the decision is the best for him, I am happy because I want the best for him.”

Postecoglou helped lure Gombau back to Australia, a year after he left Adelaide to be closer to his family in Spain.

Gombau coached Australia’s under-23 side while assisting Postecoglou in ushering in the Socceroos’ three-man defence and high-pressing game but said he was not a contender to lead the country to next year’s World Cup.