Ange’s legacy ‘has been cast in stone’
ANGE Postecoglou’s legacy at the Socceroos will continue to ripple onto Gold Coast soccer fields thanks to his dramatic World Cup qualification.
Postecoglou yesterday revealed the worst-kept secret in Australian sport when confirming he would walk away from the national side he just led to their World Cup dream.
Like most coaches, results will ultimately judge the 47year-old’s tenure but Football Gold Coast general manager Damien Bresic said the playoff win against Honduras cast his legacy in stone.
“We’ve got figures that show the spike in numbers from when we make the World Cup,” he said of local soccer.
“The biggest spike we ever had was after we qualified for that 2006 World Cup, that had a major influence.
“It’s because it’s on TV and it’s in people’s faces and we are getting back page stories for the right reasons.”
Bresic admitted mixed feelings over Postecoglou’s tenure which was endlessly scrutinised in the closing stages.
“He won the Asian Cup for the first time and he got us to the World Cup so he’s done very well,” he said.
“His stubbornness might count against him and if you based it purely on a win-loss ratio then it doesn’t look as strong.
“But he blooded a lot of kids and brought his own style. He’s done what other coaches couldn’t so he deserves plaudits for that.”
Sydney FC mentor Graham Arnold, who on Tuesday night added the FFA Cup crown to his A-League double, is among the favourites for the vacant role.
Former Gold Coast City NPL player Eoghan Murphy praised Postecoglou and called for an Aussie to continue his legacy.
“I think he did a good job but was unfairly scrutinised,” he said.
“He has brought a lot of new players into the spotlight that the general public wouldn’t know about.
“I think they should stick with an Australian who brings their own style.”
Bresic, too, called for a local over a pinch-hitting foreigner like Guus Hiddink in 2006.
“If I was a betting man I’d say Graham Arnold with Tony Popovic a close second,” he said.
“Arnold spent time under Guus Hiddink so he’s had that experience.
“I think get a local who knows the landscape.”
HE’S DONE WHAT OTHER COACHES COULDN’T SO HE DESERVES PLAUDITS FOR THAT DAMIEN BRESIC