Rado Vidosic joins Melbourne Victory coaching staff

Melbourne Victory's  A-League title defence has commenced with the 2014/15 Champions returning to AAMI Park for pre-season training on Monday under the watchful eye of Kevin Muscat and new assistant coach Rado Vidosic.

The appointment fills the vacancy left by Jean-Paul de Marigny, who resigned from the position at the end of last season to return home to New South Wales for family reasons.

Vidosic has over a decade of coaching experience in the Hyundai A-League in a variety of roles including the position of head coach at Brisbane Roar during the 2012/13 season.

Melbourne Victory head coach Kevin Muscat said he is looking forward to what coaching philosophies Vidosic can bring to the club.

"Rado has been associated with success throughout his coaching career, particularly with Brisbane so he understands what it takes to achieve success and that is invaluable to any football club," Muscat said.

"He has vast experience in coaching including roles as a technical director, in youth development and as an assistant, caretaker and head coach in the A-League so he brings a great deal of expertise to our club."

Vidosic said it was a privilege to be presented the opportunity to work with Melbourne Victory.

"I am very honoured to have joined this Championship team and feel truly valued by the club," Vidosic said.

"We are focused on the challenges ahead, and personally I look forward to adopting the team, staff and most importantly the fabulous supporters of this respected and successful club."

Following the first day of pre-season training, Muscat said the enthusiasm and appetite for another successful campaign was evident throughout the playing group.

"The players have all enjoyed a well-deserved break and have come back in very good order so I'm very excited about the season ahead," Muscat said.

"It will be a busy season with FFA Cup commitments, an Asian Champions League campaign and the Hyundai A-League season all ahead of us but I know the players, coaches and staff are committed and will embrace the schedule.

"We've been fortunate to re-sign many of the players from last season which was important to us and gives me a strong indication of their loyalty and shared commitment to our club."

Meanwhile, youth goalkeeping coach Dean Anastasiadis has been appointed to the role of senior goalkeeping coach, replacing Steve Mautone, who also left the club at the end of the 2014/15 season for personal reasons.

12:30 AM