UIpdate: Melbourne City look set to appoint another foreigner to replace Warren Joyce, who was released on a day the winds of change swirled through Bundoora.

Veteran goalkeeper and A-League great Eugene Galekovic also announced his retirement, just a fortnight after winning MelbourneCity’s player of the year award with City again set for a significant turnover of players.

The Herald-Sun understands that a Spanish coach has been identified as the preferred candidate to succeed Joyce, with City Football Grouptapping into their global network base.

Australian coaches will be considered, although a significant compensation package would have to be paid to Perth Glory to secure the A-League’s best coach Tony Popovic.

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Harry Kewell, who was prematurely sacked by Notts County just months after they paid a transfer fee to Crawley Town after his stunning debut campaign with the League Two battlers, would almost certainly consider the role if approached.

But with CFG eager for their underperforming Melbourne club claim a first title and qualify for the Asian Champions Leaguefor the first time, a Spaniard has emerged as the leading contender among a host of options being considered.

Two of CFG’s top dogs, Man City chief executive Ferran Soriano and technical director Txiki Begiristain, are Spanish and the former Barcelona duo were instrumental in securing Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

media_camera Warren Joyce has been released by Melbourne City.

Melbourne-based director of football Michael Petrillo will now lead a full review process in coordination with City Football Group’s Brian Marwood, and he hinted that they would seek a change from the Joyce philosophy

“Our ambition remains unchanged. We want to be constantly competing for silverware and playing in the Asian Champions League, with a definitive brand of football,” Petrillo said.

Joyce beat ex Olyroos boss Josep Gombau and two foreign coaches to the job in 2017, and was close to making the grand final in his debut season after a third-place finish.

But a controversial second season ensued, with his bitter split with star striker Bruno Fornaroli dominating discussion.

media_camera Joyce has coached his last game for City. Picture: Getty

Joyce, who made his name as a youth coach at Manchester United, was gutted to be leaving the club and was said to be emotional in the Coopers Stadium changerooms after last Sunday’s extra-time loss, perhaps aware of his fate.

While eager to continue, Joyce was looking forward to reuniting with his family.

“It’s been a challenging couple of seasons, but I have great pride in the players and staff for the progress the club has made,” Joyce said.

“I’ve seen real growth from the playing group and within the football organisation and the continued development of the right kind of culture.

“I am confident that A-League success is around the corner for the club. I’d like to wish everyone at the club and the fans the best of luck for the future,” he added.”

New City chief executive Brad Rowse, who replaces China-bound Scott Munn, paid tribute to Joyce.

“Warren leaves Melbourne City having helped the club progress against many of our organisational ambitions, and we are grateful for his dedication and passion for the club’s development over the past two years,’’ Rowse said.

“In particular, under his stewardship a significant number of young players have made the transition to first team football and many have been recognised with national team selection.”

However Joyce’s record stacked up, recording the fifth highest win percentage of any A-League manager to manage two season or more (43.86 per cent), behind Graham Arnold, Ange Postecoglou, Kevin Muscat and Tony Popovic.

He also blooded a host of youngsters, and provided first-team opportunities for the likes of Daniel Arzani and Ramy Najjarine.

WARREN JOYCE’S CITY RECORD

63 matches (A-League and FFA Cup)

Wins 29

Draws 11

Losses 23