Wed 15th Nov 2006

FORMER Socceroos Coach Frank Farina has been installed as the new Coach of Queensland Roar FC after a week of speculation in the wake of Miron Bleiberg’s departure.

Farina will take the reins at his new club from today (Thursday) and will be presented to the supporters prior to the match against league leaders Melbourne Victory on Friday night.

Hired on a two and a half year contract, the 42-year-old said he was understandably delighted to have secured the hot-seat at the Roar.

“It’s no secret that Queensland is very close to my heart and to come to a club with such a terrific set-up and infrastructure makes it all the more appealing. I’m very excited about this opportunity,” Farina said.

“You only have to look at the stadium and the training facilities to see what potential this club has and with the support of Queensland public I’m sure we can take the club forward,” he added.

Farina will be introduced to the players this afternoon and conduct his first training session on the eve of the visit of league leaders Melbourne Victory.

“I’m looking forward to meeting the players and starting work with them this afternoon. We have a good squad and now we have to work towards cementing a place in the top four. Tomorrow night’s game against Melbourne Victory should be a great match and good place to start,” he said.

Roar Chairman, John Ribot, said Farina was the club’s number one target and everyone at the organisation was thrilled that the deal could be concluded relatively quickly.

“Frank Farina is an iconic Queenslander who has the experience and profile to make his return to Suncorp Stadium a triumphant one. The last time he coached here Frank was very successful and although we now play in a new competition and the game has moved on, we are supremely confident that he has the capabilities to repeat that success,” said Ribot.

He added: “Frank is a passionate and parochial Queenslander who will inspire those around him. We are very, very pleased to have reached an agreement this week and now our focus can shift to the very important game tomorrow night against Melbourne Victory.”

The Roar Chairman reserved some words of thanks for departed coach Miron Bleiberg.

“Miron was instrumental in setting our club up to compete in the Hyundai A-League and will always enjoy our gratitude. Now it is time for the club to move onto its next chapter with Frank at the helm and all our energies will be channelled towards securing our first ever appearance in the Hyundai A-League finals,” Ribot said.

The NSL career of Frank Farina began in 1983 during which he twice won the Player of the Year, Leading Goal Scorer and Most Entertaining Player. He went on to play in Belgium, France and Italy, making 86 appearances for the Socceroos at all age levels. In his 17-year playing career he played 360 league games in five countries, scoring 167 goals. He was the first permanent Australian-born Coach of the Socceroos when he was appointed in 1999 and held the position until 2005.

Hyundai A-League Round 13
QUEENSLAND ROAR v MELBOURNE VICTORY
Friday 17th November – kick off 7.00pm
At Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane