IMPORTS ON AGENDA FOR KURZ AT VICTORY

MELBOURNE Victory has gone foreign for only the second time, appointing former Adelaide United boss Marco Kurz for the next two seasons.

Northern Irishman Jim Magilton — coach for the last three months of the 2011-12 season after Mehmet Durakovic was sacked — is the only other foreigner to be handed the coaching reins at Victory.

Kurz will focus on his visa recruiting, with only Swedish sensation Ola Toivonen contracted for next season.

Victory has 15 contracted players for this season, with Keisuke Honda, Kosta Barbarouses, Georg Niedermeier and Raul Baena headlining the exits.

Victoria’s A-League coaching jigsaw puzzle is now complete, after Melbourne City appointed Frenchman Erick Mombaerts. Expansion club Western United unveiled Mark Rudan last month.

Kurz (pictured) emerged as frontrunner weeks ago and Victory’s board ratified his appointment this week.

“Our panel of experienced football people, including Mark Bresciano, Paul Trimboli and Rob Sherman, undertook a comprehensive recruitment process,” chairman Anthony Di Pietro said.

“Coupled with his international and domestic experience, Marco demonstrated outstanding qualities. We look forward to working together to bring excitement and success for the Victory family.”

Kurz, who won an FFA Cup and led Adelaide to the A-League semi-finals, will arrive within a fortnight.

“It’s an honour to be named as head coach of Melbourne Victory, a big club with a strong history, passionate fanbase and true drive for success,” he said.