Ante Milicic, although perhaps a stranger at their new Bundoora complex, is no stranger to the club or AAMI Park, having spent two years with Melbourne Heart as an assistant coach in their formative years.

The former Socceroo, who made his name as a lethal striker in the NSL and A-League with his pacy attack and ability to find the back of net, now has the runs on the board as a coach too.

When he was overlooked in favour of John Aloisi the first time Dutchman John Van 't Schip left the club, he headed to Sydney to join former team-mate Tony Popovic in setting up Western Sydney Wanderers.

As Popa's assistant, he played a key role in helping the club to the Premiership in its debut season and back to back Grand Finals that ultimately led to Asian Champions League glory.

But before he could see that particular project through, after two seasons with Wanderers, Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou snapped him up to be his assistant for the Brazil 2014 World Cup and their subsequent triumph at the 2015 Asian Cup.

Today he may be torn between his dream of a second World Cup with the Socceroos in 2018... or the chance to return as head coach at City, like a prodigal son rich on the wealth of experience he's gained since he left in 2012.

Whether the sour taste of yesteryear – when the celebrity value of Aloisi apparently won out over Milicic – can be washed clean is yet to be seen.

But CEO Scott Munn has the opportunity to right wrongs and put City back into Championship equations by hiring the best coaching talent outside the A-League right now...Ante Milicic.