More than 15,000 votes were registered, with Melbourne Victory’s Postecoglou snaring 36.8% to Western Sydney Wanderers' Popovic 36.2%. Central Coast Mariners' Premiership winning coach Graham Arnold came in third with 15.4% of the votes.

Fans will have a key role in creating the A-League All Stars team to face the world famous Red Devils on July 20.

Voting for the players opens today and runs until April 30.

Following the close of voting, the A-League All Stars will be selected using a weighting system of 50% fan vote, 20% expert panel vote and 20% player vote via the PFA Team of the Year system.

The remaining 10% voting right goes to Postecoglou, who will also have complete say over three additional players to make up the 18-man squad.

“This is a chance to showcase the A-League to the world, taking on one of the biggest clubs in world football,” FFA CEO David Gallop said.

“This is not just a one-off match, it’s the creation of an annual event that celebrates the most popular players and coaches in the Hyundai A-League.

“Even more importantly A-League fans have the opportunity to make their mark on the selection of the team via the All Stars website.

“The Foxtel A-League All Stars is unique in the Australian sporting calendar and will play at a time when the vast majority of our 1.7 million grassroots participants are active. With a packed winter sports schedule this match gives our huge grassroots base the chance to celebrate what has been an incredible Hyundai A-League season eight and prepare for what is set to be an even bigger season nine.”

Postecoglou joined in the celebration of the new concept and was honoured to have received the support of the fans.

“It’s an honour to be voted in by the fans and a thrill to be the coach for the first All Stars game,” Postecoglou said.

“It’s a concept that is sure to grow legs and become a mainstay in our football calendar. I think there will be massive interest in this game. After a couple of months without Hyundai A-League football fans can start to get withdrawal symptoms, it’s a great way to cut short the wait for football fans.

“After three seasons coaching in the Hyundai A-League I think people know the type of football I want to play and I’m looking forward to putting together a team with the fans that can do that.”

 

The A-League All Stars' first naming rights partner is Foxtel.

“Foxtel is delighted to be the naming rights partner of the A-League All-stars, for their inaugural game,” CEO, Richard Freudenstein said.

“This furthers our commitment to football in Australia, and this match, featuring all the stars of the A-League, playing against one of the world’s greatest clubs is a wonderful opportunity to showcase that.”

To vote for players visit a-leagueallstars.com.au and start selecting your A-League All Stars team.

Foxtel A-League All Stars Expert Panel

Han Berger (FFA), Craig Moore (ex Socceroo, Qld), Tony Vidmar (ex Socceroo, SA), Mark Bosnich (ex Socceroo, NSW), Stan Lazaridis (ex Socceroo, WA), Craig Foster (ex Socceroo, NSW), Andy Harper (ex NSL Grand Final winner, NSW), Tom Smithies (Daily Telegraph / Sunday Telegraph), NSW), Michael Lynch (The Age, VIC).