Tom Sermanni, the former Matildas coach, has been reinstated to the role on an interim basis as the search for Tony Gustavsson’s permanent replacement continues.
The hugely experienced Sermanni has been in charge of the Australian women’s national team during two previous spells – from 1994 to 1997 and 2005 to 2012 – making him the longest-serving Matildas coach.
“We are delighted to welcome Tom back to the Matildas program,” the Football Australia chief executive, James Johnson, said.
“With over three decades of football experience in Australia and internationally, his extensive knowledge of the global women’s football landscape, the local Australian game and his previous success with the team make him the ideal candidate to guide the Matildas through this transitional period.”
The Scotland-born coach will take charge of the team for the upcoming double-header against Olympic bronze medallists Germany in October, temporarily relieving some of the pressure of finding the right replacement for Gustavsson.
Sermanni said it was an “honour” to return to the role in which he led the team to World Cup quarter-finals in 2007 and 2011 and the 2010 Asian Cup title.
“I’m looking forward to working with this talented group of players and helping to ensure a smooth transition as Football Australia continues its search for a permanent head coach,” he said.
“My immediate priority is to prepare the team for the upcoming international window.”
The search to find a replacement for Gustavsson, who left the role after overseeing a disastrous Paris Olympics campaign, goes on.
“We are conducting a thorough and comprehensive search for our next permanent head coach,” Johnson said. “Tom’s appointment allows us the time and space to make the right decision for the long-term future of the Matildas’ program, while ensuring our team remains in capable hands for the upcoming international fixtures.”
Sermanni has most recently been with Western Sydney Wanderers as head of women’s football and the 70-year-old will take a temporary leave of absence from the A-League club to focus on the national job.
Sermanni’s coaching career spans several decades; as well as coaching Australia, he has also been in charge of the US and New Zealand women’s teams, and he served as a technical consultant and assistant coach for Canada.
At club level, he was worked with various clubs in Australia, including Canberra United, Japan and the US. Internationally, he was named AFC coach of the year in 2007, and has been involved at six Women’s World Cups.
