Brisbane Roar announced their Youth Academy staff and it includes a pair of club legends.
Mitch Nichols and ex-Socceroo Robbie Kruse are returning to the Roar to complete Brisbane’s new-look Academy coaching staff, headed by former Melbourne Knights and Olympic FC coach Ben Cahn as Youth Technical Director.
Nichols has been appointed NPL assistant coach to Richard Greer.
The 34-year-old Nichols is a familiar face, having made his Isuzu UTE A-League debut for the Roar in 2007.
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During his six years with the Roar, he won back-to-back Championships under Ange Postecoglou in 2011 and 2012. Nichols also claimed the 2010-11 Premiership, having also scored 25 goals across 138 matches in all competitions.
Nichols is joined by another Roar great in the youth setup – Kruse.
Kruse will work as a development and Talent ID coach, focusing on identifying and nurturing the next generation of talent.
The 35-year-old burst on the scene with Brisbane in 2007 before joining Melbourne Victory two years later and going on to play for the likes of Fortuna Dusseldorf, Bayer Leverkusen and Stuttgart in Germany.
A 75-time Socceroo, Kruse returned to the Roar in 2013, however an injury restricted him to just one appearance.
“I’m very happy with the group of staff we’ve put together,” Cahn said.
“We’ve got a lot of hungry and ambitious people involved who are all very focused on providing the best environment and highest standards possible for our players.
“There’s a lot of knowledge and experience in the group, in terms of coaching, sports science and physical development and in terms of players who have played at the very highest level.
“We’re all looking forward to working together and pushing each other to help as many players as possible succeed in being ready for professional football and to support and guide the players at a vital stage in their human development.”
2024 Brisbane Roar Academy Staff
Youth Technical Director: Ben Cahn
NPL Head Coach: Richard Greer
NPL Assistant Coach: Mitch Nichols
U23 Head Coach: Andre Bennett
U23 Assistant Coach: Sekou Jomanday
Head Physiotherapist: Tevan Sandhu
NPL Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ryan Shackley
U23 Strength & Conditioning Coach: Kel Neil
Development & Talent ID: Robbie Kruse
