Talay – who was a member of the club’s inaugural championship-winning side in 2005/06, replaces former Assistant Phil Moss who left to pursue a career outside football.

The 42-year-old will take up his position immediately alongside newly appointed coach and former teammate Steve Corica.

The shake-up in the Sky Blues coaching ranks follows the departure of multi title-winning coach, Graham Arnold, who will take over the Socceroos at the end of the World Cup.

Talay said: “This is a huge honour to be returning to Sydney FC and I’m delighted to be coming in to work with Steve at such an exciting time in the club’s history.

“Sydney FC have a great mix of players for next season and I feel it is going to be another very successful year for the club.

“I’ve heard a lot about the culture and the fantastic family feel at Sydney FC and I’m looking forward to experiencing it and adding my own energy to it.

“The players return at the start of July, so I will be working with Steve in the next two weeks to ensure everything is ready for them to hit the ground running when they come back.

“I’d also like to say thank you to the FFA, David Gallop and Luke Casserly for the opportunities afforded to me throughout my time with the FFA. I’d like to wish all the best to the staff and players in Russia.”

Talay made 59 appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring six times, during a three-year playing spell at Allianz Stadium. In total the midfielder made 305 appearances at clubs in Australia, Turkey, France and Japan and scored 26 goals.

Phil Moss leaves for a new opportunity

Meanwhile Phil Moss leaves Sydney FC to take up a senior leadership role with NAB, which is linked to football in Australia through its FFA partnership.

“This decision has been the hardest of my professional career. I’ve loved every minute of my time with the Sky Blues and can’t speak highly enough of every single individual that helps form such a truly special club with a wonderful culture,” said Moss.

“I was really looking forward to assisting Stevie next season, in a role he so richly deserves, and embracing the challenges that lay ahead domestically and in Asia.

"However, in life you can’t pick and choose when opportunities present themselves and this one is a life-changer for myself and my family. Football and coaching is a real passion and the role of Sydney FC Assistant Coach is such a coveted position so this decision was not taken lightly.

Talay was assistant coach at the AIS Centre of Excellence and for the Joeys before taking over from Paul Okon as head coach of the Young Socceroos.

 

He guided the team t the AFC under 19’s Championship Finals in October, where they will play for a coveted spot at next year’s FIFA Under 20 World Cup.

Talay has also acted as a scout for the Socceroos during the 2015 Asian Cup and the 2017 Confederations Cup.
 

 

FFA’s Head of National Performance, Luke Casserly, thanked Talay for the contribution he made to Australia’s junior national teams.

 

“We have invested in Ufuk’s development as a coach over the past few years, we believe he is one of the brightest young coaches in the country,” Casserly said.