North Queensland, which was given the green light two weeks ago to enter the expanded A-League in 2009, was set to announce its inaugural coach last Friday.

Former Glasgow Rangers player and now Central Coast assistant Ian Ferguson and Phil Stubbins from Adelaide United were the two in pole position for the job.

But Crook, a former Norwich City legend with 341 appearances to his name and three England B caps, was a late entrant to the race after arriving back in Australia following a stint with Avispa Fukuoka in Japan's J2, where the Englishman was assistant to Pierre Littbarski.

North Queensland boss Don Matheson told au.fourfourtwo.com that Crook is someone who can offer much to the new franchise.

"The calibre of coaches we've spoken to has been outstanding. And with Ian [Crook], we'll want to hear what he has to say.

"We'll need a few days to absorb what Ian has said before making any decision."

The club expects to announce its new coach over the next week.

Crook arrived as a player in Australia in 1998 to join start up NSL club Northern Spirit. His coaching CV includes assistant to Littbarski at Sydney FC when the side won the first A-League in 2006.

Littbarski was sacked by Avispa in recent months, and as a result, Crook was also given his marching orders.