Former international defender Tony Vidmar has joined Socceroos coach Graham Arnold’s staff.
The 48-year-old helped Arnold during Australia’s recent 1-0 friendly loss to South Korea, impressing enough to be offered a full-time role ahead of the start of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
“It was clear from the first day that he was a great fit,” Arnold said.
“There was a great level of respect for him amongst the playing group and his football experience both as a player and a coach will be invaluable for us as we prepare for an important period for our senior men’s national team.”
– Jukic: Australia should no longer accept ‘honourable defeats’
Capped 73 times by the Socceroos, Vidmar has held a variety of backroom roles since retiring in 2008 including being Australia’s under-17 coach from 2013-17.
Elsewhere, Gary van Egmond, an assistant coach to Ante Milicic during the Matildas’ World Cup campaign, will take over as Young Socceroos head coach.
Van Egmond, who led the Newcastle Jets to the A-League championship in 2008, will take over the role immediately as preparations begin for the Asian under-19 championship qualifiers in November.
Van Egmond will also assist newly-appointed FFA technical director Rob Sherman in a review of football pathways in Australia.