Aloisi lands Victory coaching role

Ex-Melbourne Heart player and coach John Aloisi has joined cross-city rival Melbourne Victory as the development coach of its National Youth League and National Premier League sides.

John Aloisi will take up a youth coaching role with Melbourne Victory. (Getty)

Aloisi, the only Australian to play football at the highest level in England, Italy and Spain, will work alongside Victory's youth head coach Darren Davies.

 

The 39 year-old played 55 matches for the Socceroos and scored the penalty which ensured qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Aloisi returned to Australia in 2007, later joining Heart, first as a player, in 2010, then as coach in 2012.

He was dumped as Heart coach in December 2013 and replaced by John van't Schip.

"John is a highly respected member of the Australian football community whose experience and pedigree will add real value to our youth football program," Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat said.

"His appointment is another step towards the development of our own football academy and we're delighted to welcome him as part of the Melbourne Victory family."

Aloisi, who made his professional debut for Adelaide City at the age of 15 before forging a successful career abroad, said he was thrilled to be working with some of the most talented young players in the country.

"I'm delighted to be given this opportunity with Melbourne Victory and I'm looking forward to working with Darren as we prepare for the National Premier League season," Aloisi said.

"We'll provide the group with the best resources we can for them to develop with access to state-of-the-art facilities, so it's an exciting time to be involved at the club."

Melbourne Victory will make its National Premier League debut on Saturday, 7 March against Dandenong City at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex in Endeavour Hills.