In addition to his current position as the FFA assistant technical director, Alistair Edwards will take on the role of Joeys head coach for the 2012 U16 Asian Cup in October, and for the 2013 U17 World Cup.

Former Socceroo Tony Vidmar has been appointed the senior AIS coach and will assist Edwards at Joeys matches.

The AIS and Joeys coaching positions had previously been combined and held by Jan Versleijen whose contract ended in December 2011.

The roles have now been separated and national technical director Han Berger said the new arrangement will give Australia’s best up and coming male players the best opportunities to develop into professional and national team players.

“Alistair and Tony have shown themselves, both as players and more recently as coaches, to be of the highest calibre and to have the right attitude, experience and personalities to be in charge of these two vital development programs," said Berger.

“Whilst the AIS program aims to provide the majority of players for the Qantas Joeys squads, the task of providing the daily training environment for the players and that of managing a team at international tournaments are slightly different.

“To recruit two former Socceroos and well credentialed coaches for the separate roles really enhances the support and development that these players will receive.

“Tony will work as assistant coach for the Joeys and accompany Alistair on the bench at their matches.

“Alistair will retain his role as the FFA assistant technical director and continue to perform the duties that he has in the past as well.

“We are also in the process of appointing an assistant coach for the AIS program which we will announce in the near future.”

To further contribute to the development of the players in this vital age group, the AIS and FFA have appointed Peter de Roo, the Technical Director of Football Queensland to the newly created position of Technical Manager of the AIS Football Program.

This position will provide the technical and management direction to the program and the coaches to ensure that the development objectives of the program are met.

AIS Acting Director Phil Borgeaud said: “The combination of the new structure and the fact we are appointing such high quality technicians in Peter and Tony provides a great platform for our best young football players to succeed at the national and international level.

“The AIS is pleased to support the evolution of the football program and provide the best possible daily training environment for our future Socceroos.”