Ufuk Talay has been unveiled as the new head coach of Australia’s U20, following the appointment of Paul Okon as the new manager of A-League outfit the Central Coast Mariners.
Talay has a history working within the Australian footballing system having featured as an assistant coach for the Joeys (U17) combined with work at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
“We’re pleased to announce that Ufuk Talay will take over as Head Coach of the Young Socceroos,”, FFA CEO David Gallop said.
“It shows the pathway is in place for not only players but coaches to progress through the National team structures as part of the National Team Unit’s strategy.”
“When we became aware of Paul’s decision to take up the role at the Central Coast Mariners, the National Team Unit headed by Luke Casserly, Ange Postecoglou and Eric Abrams identified Ufuk as the best man to take the position and we are pleased we have been able to ensure a smooth transition.”
The 40-year-old enjoyed success in Australia as a player, forming part of Sydney FC’s inaugural A-League winning team.
“This is a huge honour for me to be named coach of the Australian U20 team, it’s a step forward and I look forward to working with the players to play the type of football our National Teams have been playing and qualify for the U20 World Cup,” Talay said.
“I’d like to thank Luke Casserly, Ange Postecoglou and the FFA for having faith in me and also Tony Vidmar and Peter de Roo for the opportunity they gave me to join the National Team structure with the Joeys and the FFA Centre of Excellence and the knowledge they have shared with me.”
The decision comes just over a week out from the AFC U-19 Championships in Bahrain where the Young Socceroos will face off against Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia and Laos.
