Ex-Leicester City hero carving out coaching career in Australia

“It was the best way to learn... being fresh out of the game in Australia. 

"And as many know, coaching is completely different to being a player in so many ways."

Kisnorbo subsequently coached City’s top-rated women’s side, winning Australia’s W-League twice as its head coach. 

The defender, who played in Australia’s 2007 Asian Cup campaign, spent four seasons at Leicester City.

He also played for Leeds United, Ipswich, and Hearts over 10 years in the UK.

Kisnorbo returned to Australia in 2013 before retiring three years later in a City shirt. He is one of a new breed of coaches in Australia who can draw on excellent playing experience in the UK. 

Another in Australia is former Sheffield United midfielder Nick Montgomery. 

The Australia-based pair took their UEFA Pro coaching badges together and both are set to become head coaches in Australia over the coming years before they inevitably look to Europe. 

After a decade in the UK, Australia’s Kisnorbo has a long list of contacts and is gaining valuable experience on the other side of the world. 

Interestingly, this club in Australia is the same side that developed current Arsenal women’s coach Joe Montemurro. 

Not only Montemurro, but Greece’s current assistant coach is Michael Valkanis. 

Former Leicester City coach Kisnorbo (left) with Brisbane coach Robbie Fowler in Australia last season

Both are from Australia. Surely it’ll only be time before Kisnorbo joins the growing exodus of coaches from Australia to go to the UK and Europe. 

Kisnorbo was a central defender at Leicester City between 2005 and 2009, during which time the club was relegated from the Championship into the third tier of English football. 

He also played under charismatic English manager Ian Holloway at Leicester City. 

Just another reason why this young coach in Australia is starting to turn heads as he makes his way in the coaching game. 

PLUS...

Australians destined for top European football jobs

The was once a Golden Generation of Australian players. Now, Australia’s next wave bound for top jobs in European football is in the surging ranks of coaches. 

“I’ve only been coaching for five years. But I’ve learned to learn quickly and adapt. And to start coming up with my own ideas.

“If you don’t adapt, I’ve learned, you don’t progress,” Kisnorbo adds. 

“I’ve been a head coach here [in Australia] and an assistant, which is different but you can still learn. 

“Working with Erick and Warren has been a great learning curve.”