Former Matilda’s coach Tom Sermanni has been reinstated to the head coaching role as an interim, after the team mutually parted ways with Tony Gustavsson after the Olympics.

Sermanni is the Matilda’s longest-serving coach after previously being in charge of the Australian women’s national team from 1994-1997 and again from 2005 to 2012.

His appointment comes as the Matilda’s continue to look for a full-time replacement coach for Gustavsson, but Football Australia chief executive James Johnson is excited to have Sermanni at the helm in the meantime.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom back to the Matildas program,” he said.

“With over three decades of football experience in Australia and internationally, his extensive knowledge of the global women’s football landscape, the local Australian game and his previous success with the team make him the ideal candidate to guide the Matildas through this transitional period.”

Sermanni will coach the team for the upcoming double-header against Germany in October, helping Football Australia by time for a replacement coach. He said it was an “honour” to return to the role in which he led the team to World Cup quarter-finals in 2007 and 2011 and the 2010 Asian Cup title.

“I’m looking forward to working with this talented group of players and helping to ensure a smooth transition as Football Australia continues its search for a permanent head coach,” he said.

“My immediate priority is to prepare the team for the upcoming international window.”

Gustavsson leaves the top role after originally being appointed coach back in 2020 and helped take the Matilda’s to a semi-final at last year’s World Cup campaign. It was a run that revolutionised women’s football in Australia.

Photo: Tom Sermanni in 2011.JPG by Thewomensgame is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.