Melbourne Knights FC has announced caretaker coach Ivan Franjic as NPLM Head Coach for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Franjic has been the Club's caretaker coach since parting ways with Ben Surey in April and under his short spell in charge the Knights have managed to claim four points from two matches.
Speaking to the Melbourne Knights website, Franjic said he was "extremely excited" to take on the role for the rest of the season and was ‘honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the Club."
Franjic is a former Melbourne Knights junior, spending two seasons with the Knights in 2007 and 2008 before making the move to A-League Brisbane Roar in 2009. Following his time in the A-League, Franjic secured a spot with Russian side Torpedo Moscow in 2014, and Korean side Daegu FC in 2017, before returning home and having stints with various A-League clubs coming back to the Knights in 2023 under Ben Cahn.
Most notably, the defender made 20 appearances for the Socceroos', and played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Melbourne Knights President, Simon Pincic also glowingly commented on Franjic's appointment.
"(I have) full faith in Franjic’s ability and we hope Knights fans get behind Ivan and give him the support he needs for the rest of the season," he said.
The Knights host South Melbourne this Friday night to kick off Round 14 of the 2024 NPLM season.
Friday’s derby against South Melbourne FC marks Franjic’s first match as official head coach for the side. We encourage all Knights fans to come out to Somers Street to get behind Ivan and the Club as the Club looks to make an ambitious attempt at finals football.