Ivan Franjic will coach the Melbourne Knights for the rest of the National Premier League season.
Franjic has been acting coach since the Knights parted way with Ben Surey in April and one of three candidates shortlisted by the club to take on the role permanently.
In his short spell as caretaker coach, Franjic was able to secure points for the club after going the three rounds before his caretaker appointment with zero points.
The club’s 3-0 win against Dandenong Thunder demonstrated Franjic’s ability to implement a style of play reminiscent of the Knights in 2023, and the club’s draw with Green Gully the following week continued the trend.
At the conclusion of round 13, the club felt Franjic was best placed to lead the side for the second half of the season.
President Simon Pincic said that he has full faith in Franjic’s ability and hopes Knights fans get behind Franjic and give him the support he needs for the rest of the season.
An accomplished footballer, Franjic brings with him a wealth of experience, playing at the highest level of football for club and country in Australia.
A Melbourne Knights junior, Franjic spent two seasons with the Knights in 2007 and 2008 before making the move to A-League Brisbane Roar in 2009.
From there, Franjic secured a spot with Russian side Torpedo Moscow in 2014, and Korean side Daegu FC in 2017, before returning home and having stints with various A-League clubs coming back to the Knights in 2023 under Ben Cahn.
Franjic has made 20 appearances for Australia and played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Franjic also holds a coaching A-Licence. Aside from his new role as head coach, Franjic will still continue in his role as junior technical director.
Franjic said that he was extremely excited to take on the role for the rest of the season and was honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the club.”
The Knights were in action on Friday night against South Melbourne, after deadline.
