New national coach Graham Arnold will be looking to fill some key positions as the team heads into the Asian Cup phase. An announcement will be made soon regarding the support staff for Arnold.

Highly-regarded physiotherapist Les Gelis, who served at four World Cups, and Head of Sports Science, Dr Craig Duncan are among those who have departed.

Football Federation Australia Chairman Steven Lowy praised the Socceroos for their skill and courage despite finishing bottom of Group C with one point.

“Although the results didn’t go our way…the Socceroos have made Australia proud with outstanding performances against France, Denmark and Peru,” Lowy said.

“The team showed the world that they were able to match it with some of the best football teams at the tournament and have won support from around the globe as a result.

“This group of players led on and off the pitch by senior players Mile Jedinak, Tim Cahill, and Mark Milligan will definitely provide inspiration for young footballers around Australia who will hopefully also aspire to represent Australia at future World Cups.”

FFA CEO David Gallop echoed Lowy’s sentiments and thanked the Socceroos coaching and support staff including coach Bert van Marwijk for their work with the team. 

“The performances will be remembered for what might have been with critical moments making all the difference,” Gallop said.

“The preparation from the coaching and medical support staff was world class. We must continue to give the team the level of support and training that gives them every chance of success as the AFC Asian Cup will soon be upon us.”

Meanwhile Head of National Performance Luke Casserly confirmed the departures of three long-serving backroom staff  including Socceroos Videographer Ben Coonan.

“On behalf of FFA I would like to thank Les, Craig and Ben for their contributions to Australian football and Australia’s national teams,” Casserly said.

“Les’ longevity in his role is unique to professional sports today.  

“At all times Les, Craig and Ben have shown the utmost professionalism and dedication in their respective fields which will leave a strong legacy for the future. 

“I am sure that Les, Craig and Ben will be successful at whatever they choose to do next.”

Lowy and FFA CEO David Gallop paid specific tribute to Gelis.

“Les Gelis has been a mainstay of the Caltex Socceroos’ set-up for a significant period, which is testament to his character and qualities,” Lowy said.

Gallop added: “Les’ commitment to his field, and contribution to many Australian national teams deserves the utmost recognition from the Australian football family.”

Tim Cahill is treated by physio Les Gelis

Les Gelis

Served the Socceroos from 1997 for an astonishing 221 matches and at four World Cups and will now take up a senior position with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets as their Director of Sports Medicine. During his long tenure with FFA, Gelis managed hundreds of elite Australian players, and at times led teams of physiotherapists at World Cups and Olympic Games.

Craig Duncan

Worked with the Socceroos for the past four years, and has played a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining the elite S&C practices that the team is known for.

Ben Coonan

Served Australian football in a variety of roles over the past 15 years, and was key in developing and modernising the digital outputs of the Socceroos and Matildas. Coonan’s capacity to develop strong relationships with players, coaches, and staff, knowledge of the game broadly and Australian football specifically, work ethic, and technical ability has ensured that he has crafted a significant body of work.