FFA has today announced that former Socceroo Craig Moore has been appointed as Football Adviser and Team Ambassador for the Socceroos World Cup campaign.
Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today announced that former Socceroo Craig Moore has been appointed as Football Adviser and Team Ambassador for the Socceroos- World Cup campaign.
Moore, who represented the Socceroos 52 times, including at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, will join Head Coach Ange Postecoglou's national team set up in May.
FFA CEO David Gallop highlighted Moore's unique insight and experience after playing in two World Cups and more than 15 years as a professional in Europe and Australia.
"Craig has been working with FFA as a Player Mentor with elite youth across the game following his appointment via FFA-s Football Development Committee, and the new role as an adviser and ambassador with the Socceroos is a natural extension," said Gallop.
"It's also an important signal to have a former Socceroo great in the team hierarchy. When it comes to nurturing the right culture, having respect for the past and a link to the Socceroo heritage gives you a solid foundation for building for the future.
"Craig will join a setup that in the past five months has seen the start of a rebuilding process, from the Head Coach through to the sports science team. The Socceroos are under new management and there are exciting times ahead."
Long-serving Socceroo Head of Delegation of the past 11 years, Phill Wolanski AM, has decided to stand down after this week's international match against Ecuador in London, given the focus on long-term planning towards Russia in 2018 coupled with the fact that Wolanski's term as an FFA Director expires in November next year and he is unable to seek re-election under FFA's constitution.
"It has been a wonderful and greatly valued privilege to serve the National team in a period of great achievements for the Socceroos and football in Australia," said Wolanski.
"My contribution has always been about supporting the coaches, players and staff in the magnificent way they represent Australia.
"With Ange starting a new era for the Socceroos, I've made the decision to stand down at this time in support of the long-term ambitions to see a new Golden Generation for the Socceroos."
Wolanski will continue to be chairman of FFA's Football Development Committee.
Gallop thanked Wolanski for his service to the National team.
"Phill has played a broad role as a mentor within the team setup, as an advocate in many forums, and as the senior official representative of the Socceroos," said Gallop.
"He has made a significant contribution over three World Cup cycles and leaves the role with the respect of his contemporaries in football." UPCOMING MATCH DETAILS: Socceroos v Ecuador The Den, London Wednesday 5 March 2014 8pm kick off (6 March 7.00am AEDT)
The Socceroos v Ecuador match will be broadcast LIVE and Exclusive on FOX Sports 3 with a 30-minute pre-game show starting at 6.30am (AEDT) ahead of the 7.00am kick off.
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