BRISBANE Roar will look to let Queensland talent thrive in its W-League program under new head coach Garrath McPherson, who signed a multi-year deal with the club ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
McPherson returns to Roar after serving as assistant coach to Mel Andreatta for three seasons, helping to guide Brisbane to the 2017/18 W-League Premiership.
The incoming head coach has played a heavy hand in developing young, local talent in Queensland in recent years, having led the state’s National Training Centre program whilst coaching Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) in the Women’s National Premier League.
“Excited is the first word that comes to mind,” McPherson told the club website.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with players I’ve worked with previously, players who have come through our development systems and programs.
“It’s exciting for me to lead the next step in the club’s mission, which is to give Queenslanders – whether they’re adopted Queenslanders or born and bred here – opportunities to play at the top level and continue progressing towards national team representation.”
🦁 Garrath is ready and raring to go!#BringTheRoar | #WLeague pic.twitter.com/zxCNsEbX3z
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) August 17, 2021
McPherson’s arrival as head coach comes as Brisbane prepares to announce several signings to further the club’s plan to harness the talent developing around its home state. It’s an ethos reflected in the A-League side under Roar boss Warren Moon, with the likes of Alex Parsons, Rahmat Akbari and Kai Trewin all receiving the chance to thrive in the senior side in recent times.
Speaking prior to McPherson’s announcement as Brisbane’s W-League boss, Roar CEO David Pourre outlined the club’s intention to let Queenslanders shine in coming seasons, with the ultimate goal of taking young players with potential and turning them into Matildas stars of the future.
“Ultimately, we want to give Queenslanders the opportunities they deserve to play for our great club, perform in the W-League and progress on to the Matildas, which is vital with the World Cup around the corner and a Brisbane Olympics on the horizon,” Pourre said.
“That doesn’t mean every player has to be born and bred here, but our principal philosophy is to promote those who have developed here, who have done well in a Roar shirt in the past or who have formed close ties to Queensland.
“We don’t want to be losing young players to other states and our fans can expect to see a Head Coach and signings that reflect that direction.
“We’ve seen with Roar sides of the past that a strong Queensland core is a recipe for success in the W-League and this is something that’s going to be consistent right across the club.”
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