Socceroos legend Tony Vidmar has been handed the job of helping guide the Olyroos to the next Olympics which will take place in Paris in 2024.
Vidmar will replace Graham Arnold who had coached the Olyroos in Tokyo where they pulled off a huge upset when beating Argentina in their opening game before bowing out in the group stages.
Great experience
Former Socceroos great Vidmar is an Olympian himself after going to the 1992 games and is excited to get the opportunity to lead the Olyroos.
He was capped 76 times by Australia and has a wealth of experience to give to his young squad.
Related Australian Football news
“I have been privileged in my life to have had a long association with the Olyroos, so it is a real honour to know that over the next two years I will continue to be involved with a program that is so crucial for Australian football,” the 51-year-old said.
“The Olyroos program provides a vital link between our youth national teams and the Socceroos, and the last cycle provided a great illustration of how players can progress to the senior national team, and even secure moves to top leagues abroad, by gaining international experience and exposure via the Olyroos.”
Man for the job
Vidmar is also part of the Socceroos coaching set-up and will continue to assist coach Arnold until after the World Cup qualifying play-offs.
FA CEO James Johnson is delighted with the appointment and says the Olyroos will be in “good hands” with Vidmar at the helm..
“We believe he has a great understanding of what it will take not only to guide the side to the (Olympic Games) tournament, but help to develop players along the way,” Johnson said.
