Melbourne City FC has today announced the appointment of Technical Director, Alain Fiard ahead of the 2019/20 season.
The Cambodian-born Frenchman has developed a wealth of coaching experience since taking over as Assistant Manager of Ligue 2 side, AJ Auxerre in 2001. During his time at AJ Auxerre, Fiard also operated as Caretaker Manager before moving on to his first Head Coach role at Raja Casablanca in Morocco’s first tier.
Following his time in Morocco, Fiard moved into scouting roles, first at Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille, where he spent three years before moving to Ligue 2 side Valenciennes FC, where he also spent three years.
In 2011, Fiard resumed his coaching experience, becoming Head Coach of AJ Auxerre B, before returning to the first team as an Assistant Manager. The Frenchman’s most recent coaching role came with Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam’s First Tier, where he managed the side in 2017.
Following his time in Vietnam, Fiard was entrusted by AJ Auxerre to help establish its Chinese development academy venture.
Prior to his coaching career, Fiard enjoyed a long playing career at the top level in France with Lille (182), AJ Auxerre (105), and Bastia (140), competing in the UEFA Cup and playing along sides the likes of Eric Cantona.
Fiard completes Head Coach Erick Mombaerts’ coaching team ahead of the new season, joining existing Assistant Coach Patrick Kisnorbo and newly appointed Australian Goalkeeper Coach, Neil Young.
Kisnorbo will continue his expertise in both youth and senior development at the Club, while experienced goalkeeper coach, Young, will work closely with Club’s A-League goalkeepers.
The 39-year-old commenced his coaching career when he was appointed Head Goalkeeper Coach of Perth Glory in 2011, before moving to fellow A-League side Newcastle Jets in 2014. From there, Young headed overseas where he led the goalkeepers at Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, as well as Bangkok Glass and Buriram United in Thailand.
The coaches will be supported by City’s football support team led by Head of Human Performance, Andrew McKenzie. Having been with the Club for the past five seasons, McKenzie has built a high-performing team including Darren Stanborough (Physio), John Gosstray (Massuse), Liam Annett (Sports Science) and new Fitness Coach, Ralph Napoli.
The team are also supported by Performance Analysis Manager, Donna Rice and long-time Football Logistics Manager, Josh Bondin.
With the Club’s senior coaching team now finalised, Mombaerts and his team will continue their preparations leading into pre-season friendlies against NPL Victoria sides Oakleigh Cannons and Bentleigh Greens as they prepare for their first competitive fixture against Campbelltown City in the FFA Cup Round of 32.
