Brisbane Roar appoint Ben Cahn as new head coach: Full details

Brisbane Roar have appointed Ben Cahn as their Isuzu UTE A-League side’s new head coach through until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Cahn takes over after serving as the club’s Youth Technical Director, following successful stints at senior head coach with NPL Victoria juggernauts Melbourne Knights and NPL Queensland side Olympic FC.

He most recently led Knights to an historic Australia Cup semi final in September, where they lost to Roar 1-0 at Knights Stadium, after being awarded 2023 NPL Victoria Coach of the Year.

Cahn was also the 2020 NPL Queensland Coach of the Year and previously served as an assistant coach and youth team coach at Central Coast Mariners.

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His appointment comes after Roar CEO Kaz Patafta confirmed the club would speed up their process to appoint a new senior head coach after an 8-1 defeat to Melbourne City last Thursday, in the first game following Ross Aloisi’s departure.

“I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity. I’m very grateful to management and the owners for backing me and trusting me to help them take the club forward,” Cahn said.

“The new management have done a fantastic job in a short time in the face of a lot of adversity to stabilise the football club off the field and I’m very excited to work with them to help deliver their vision for taking the club in to the future.

“I’m well aware that it’s a challenging time, the players have had to deal with a lot of disruption but it’s a great time to set the standards for the journey forwards and for everyone to stand up and give everything.

“It’s a strong playing group with a strong mentality and i’ve got every belief we can continue and build on the positive early season progress and give everything to compete at the top end of the league.”

The club’s Chief Operating Officer Zac Anderson, added: “Ben’s appointment is a statement of our ambition. His philosophy and methods are in complete harmony with the Roar’s DNA, and his hunger for success mirrors our aspiration as a football club.

“We’ve witnessed his ability to elevate young talent to new heights, which aligns perfectly with our club’s vision. His innovative approach to the game will bring an exciting era of success to Brisbane Roar.”

Luciano Trani – who was previously appointed interim coach until the end of the season – will remain as Cahn’s assistant.