Melbourne Knights FC Official Website Melbourne Knights Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Ivan Franjic as Head Coach for the remainder of the 2024 NPL Victoria season.
After parting ways with former Head Coach Ben Surey in April, the Club began the hunt for Surey’s replacement, shortlisting three candidates for the position, with Franjic being one of them.
After 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 Gully continued this 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. Speaking on the appointment, Club President Simon Pincic commented that he ‘has full faith in Franjic’s ability and we hope Knights fans get behind Ivan 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 Cahn. Franjic has made 20 appearances for Australia and played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Franjic also holds a coaching A-License. Aside from his new role as Head Coach, Franjic will still continue in his role as Juniors Technical Director.
Speaking on his appointment Franjic mused 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’.
Friday’s derby against South Melbourne FC marks Franjic’s first match as official head coach for the side. We encourage all Knights fans to come out to Somers Street to get behind Ivan and the Club as the Club looks to make an ambitious attempt at finals football.
