A-League coach of the year, Ange Postecoglou, has an escape clause in his contract with Brisbane Roar, which makes him susceptible to interest from Melbourne Victory.
Last week, despite the assurances provided by Football Federation Australia, which is set to take over the financially struggling A-League champions, that Postecoglou would remain in Brisbane, uncertainty still clouds the star coach’s future.
Postecoglou expresses his desire to continue at the Roar, aiming to further enhance the club’s extraordinary season that concluded with a grand final triumph against Central Coast Mariners on Sunday. However, he is unable to guarantee his presence in Brisbane when the new season begins in October.
Although he has a contract with the Roar until March next year—a key factor that FFA hoped would keep Postecoglou in Brisbane—the former Young Socceroos mentor disclosed yesterday that he possesses an opt-out clause if necessary.
“My contract contains clauses,” Postecoglou stated, who took the Roar’s reins in October 2009, succeeding the dismissed Frank Farina as head coach.
“When I accepted the job, should they (the Roar) choose to part ways with me, they could pay me a specified amount.
“It’s reciprocal as well.”
Melbourne Victory, having dismissed coach Ernie Merrick last Saturday, is poised to present a lucrative offer, reportedly exceeding $400,000 per season, to entice the Melbourne native Postecoglou.
Last night, FFA chief executive Ben Buckley emphasized that securing a long-term deal for Postecoglou with the Roar is his “absolute priority.”
“It’s our hope that Ange will remain with the club for many years ahead,” Buckley remarked.
“With the assistance of his staff, he has transformed the team and fostered a winning culture and professionalism that have now set the standard in the competition. We are dedicated to ensuring that Ange stays with the club for as long as feasible.
“We will act on this promptly.”
Postecoglou emphasized that a swift decision regarding his future is essential, both for his own well-being and that of the Roar.
He indicated that he would refrain from re-signing the attacking duo of Jean Carlos Solorzano and Rocky Visconte, whose contracts are expiring, until his own future is resolved.
“We have recruiting responsibilities and player negotiations to manage… I believe it wouldn’t be appropriate to commit players here and then for things not to unfold as I envisioned,” he stated.
“I want to ensure that the Roar shares my vision.”
by Buford Balony
