Sydney FC have appointed Youth Team coach Ian Crook to the top job at the club after missing out on the signature of Mariners boss Graham Arnold.
Sydney FC have appointed Youth Team coach Ian Crook to the top job at the club after missing out on the signature of Mariners boss Graham Arnold.
Crook’s deal will see him lead the Sky Blues for the next two seasons.
The club are reportedly happy with the work Crook had done in developing players like Mitch Mallia and Joel Chianese in recent times and have made him the replacement for Vitezslav Lavicka.
Crook was the Assistant Coach alongside Pierre Littbarski when Sydney FC won the inaugural Hyundai A-League Championship in 2005/06, also helping the Sky Blues to qualify for and compete in the 2005 FIFA World Club Championship in Japan.
The 49-year-old has coached in Asia, England and Australia following a glittering playing career that saw him play 15 seasons in the English Premier League for Tottenham and Norwich City FC, making a combined 457 appearances for the two clubs.
“Sydney FC is pleased to announce Ian Crook as the Sydney FC Head Coach for the next two seasons,” said Sydney FC Chairman Scott Barlow.
“His passion for Sydney FC runs deep, he has an impressive coaching and football knowledge and he is familiar with the Club and what we are trying to achieve.
“Ian already has an important place in Sydney FC history as a member of the coaching staff in our Foundation Season and he knows what it takes to help steer Sydney FC to success in the A-League.
“He has since picked up valuable coaching experience in Asia and England, as well as immersing himself in the Sydney football community while coaching the Sydney FC National Youth League and NSWIS squads.”
Crook, who was named 2001/02 NSL Coach of the Year with Newcastle United, is eager to return to the competitive environment of the Hyundai A-League.
“I-m thrilled and honoured to be named as Head Coach of Sydney FC,” Crook said.
“This Club is very special to me after being part of its birth and early success and since returning to Australia I have enjoyed working with the younger players.
“Over the last few months the competitive urge has been re-ignited inside me and after spending the last two seasons nurturing and developing young players the time is right for me to step back into a Head Coach role.
“To get this opportunity at Sydney FC is fantastic and I can-t wait to start working on the pitch with the players, Steve Corica, Zeljko Kalac and the football staff to make sure we get Sydney FC back where it belongs.
“We have a lot to do but I-m excited about working with Gary Cole (Football Director) on our recruitment and retention to bring success to the Club and a team that the Sydney FC fans can be proud of.”
