Paul Roos is set to be announced as the new coach of Melbourne. Source: News Limited
PAUL Roos has signed a contract to coach Melbourne for the next two seasons, with an option of a third.
Roos has agreed to take charge of the Demons after months of speculation.
Roos said today his role would be to coach the Demons while the next long-term coach - likely one of the Demons' current assistants - is groomed for the role.
Roos said his interest was sparked by questions from Melbourne chief executive about how the coaching succession plan worked at Sydney and how a similar process could happen at the Demons.
"I'm extremely extremely excited about being introduced as Melbourne coach," Roos said.
"I can't wait to get started.
"It's going to be a huge challenge, there's no doubt about that. They haven't sugar-coated it so I know exactly what I'm in for."
Dees fans delighted at Roos signing
Roos said he was prepared to do the "hard yards" to turn the club around.
"From a coaching point of view, I'm very excited about getting in and working with the players and setting a path and then handing it over
"If there's success well and good but if there's not ... I'm very happy for someone else to take the glory after that."
He said talking to underachieving high draft picks Jack Watts and Colin Sylvia - both mentioned as possible trades - was high on his agenda.
"That's a real priority for me, to get those two quality boys linked to the club," he said.
Watch Roos' first press conference as Demons coach below and join our chat.
The news was announced via a low-key update on the club's website. The update described the signing as "monumental".
As reported on SuperFooty this morning, Roos will be unveiled at the MCG at noon (EST).
Sydney-based Roos was chased hard by the club after initially declaring he had little interest.
Why Roos is worth $1.5 million
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said earlier this morning the game would be better for Roos’ return to coaching.
“Paul Roos coaching in the AFL system means our code is better. If he is not coaching in the competition, I think we are poorer for it because he is a great coach," he said.
He expressed belief that Roos could drag the Demons out of the doldrums.
“Premiership coaches don't grow on trees. He's got an outstanding record as a coach. He's got an ability to turn clubs around.”
Demetriou said the AFL was not paying directly for Roos’ salary, which has been reported as high as $1.5 million a year.
“The AFL's contribution and its financial package -which it is yet to finalise - will only be for the replacement value of the previous coach. that's it.
“It is significantly less than what has been mooted. It is not the AFL's role to create hyper-inflation in coaching.”
Struggling Melbourne has undergone a total transformation this season with the departure of coach Mark Neeld, chief executive Cameron Schwab and president Don McLardy.
New president Glen Bartlett was installed last month on the back of a $2.7 million AFL rescue package.
Roos, 50, coached the Sydney Swans to the 2005 premiership before handing the job to John Longmire at the end of 2010.
His arrival at the Demons will reinvigorate Australia's oldest football club, which last won a flag in 1964.
Nathan Jones named Melbourne's B&F
Four weeks ago, Roos wrote a column for the Herald Sun saying Melbourne could turn their fortunes around and naming his Round 1 line-up for next season - see it here.
More to come
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