A-League rivals unhappy at Roar's FFA coup
Brisbane Roar have scored a massive off-field advantage after recruiting former FFA employee Pedj Radinovic as their new football director in a move that has irritated rival A-League clubs.
Coach John Aloisi said it was a "massive plus" that the embattled Roar were able to snare the unheralded Radinovic as a replacement for the departing Craig Moore.
Radinovic will start work next month and bring with him an enviable amount of inside information from FFA having worked at there for the last six years, most recently as compliance manager.
Not only does he have an intimate knowledge of all relevant rules and regulations, he was in charge of A-League salary cap reporting and policing - meaning he has seen almost every contract in the competition and is aware of what players are earning.
It's understood other teams are unhappy that the Roar will benefit from that influx of FFA intellectual property, but have largely given the hard-working and well-respected Radinovic their blessing in his new endeavour.
Brisbane have 17 senior players coming off contract and will be a big player in the end-of-season transfer market.
"I'm sure he'll have his hands full once he does come in because there's a few contracts that are up and also, we have to plan for next season," Aloisi told reporters on Saturday.
"We have to make sure we build a squad that we believe is going to win it. That's our goal.
"He's going to be very important for us, Pedj.
"He's going to be great support for myself and the football department but also the club, because his work ethic is second to none. He's passionate about the game."
One of the first players Radinovic will speak to when he arrives in Brisbane is left-back Corey Brown, the reigning club champion who has attracted strong interest from Melbourne Victory.
"I've been at the club for seven years, I've grown up in Brisbane. I love the club immensely," Brown said.
"Obviously if that's an option, I'd love to (stay). We'll see what happens. I just leave all that talk to my agent."
Further changes to the Roar's football department are likely, with a new physiotherapist having recently started following a review of the club's fitness and medical operations.