From the moment Holger Osieck's papers were stamped, Ange Postecoglou was the chosen one FROM the moment Holger Osiecks papers were marked 60 minutes into the 6-0 loss to France, you could have sewn the initials AP on one of those gaudy green and gold tracksuits. Forget the talk of short-lists, reviews and processes. Ange Postecoglou was not merely the preferred candidate to take the national team to Brazil. He was the chosen one. Yes, Frank Lowy got out his smart phone and flipped through the numbers of the high-profile international coaches. And, given the fond memories of Germany 2006, who could blame Lowy for wanting to make a Guus of himself again? Yes, the names of Postecoglou's A-League peers Graham Arnold and Tony Popovic were raised. Although only out of respect for their genuine bona fides, not because either had any more chance of getting the job than Diego Maradona. Postecoglou's name has been not so much whispered as screamed in the hallways of FFA for months. He was, unmistakably, the Coach Apparent. It remained only for Osieck's tenure to die from mostly self-inflicted wounds. The necessary pretence Postecoglou's appointment was not a fait accompli caused some collateral damage. Ange Postecolgou after his final match in charge of Melbourne Victory. Arnold was miffed his name was raised when he had neither been approached, nor applied, for the job. Clearly a proud man, Central Coast's championship-winning coach did not want his name and reputation to be part of a charade. One performed to ensure the FFA could not be accused of acting hastily or without due process. Then came Melbourne Victory's absurd compensation claim. Absurd because, as exciting and vibrant as the A-League has become, it remains heavily dependent on the overall health of the game. As badly disadvantaged as they might be by Postecoglou's departure, what is good for the Socceroos is still good for the Victory. There was also a predictable rant by SBS pundit Craig Foster, one of the last remaining soldiers in the game's culture war refusing to come out of the jungle. Foster somehow managed to portray support for a local coach as xenophobic. Then again, he would probably accuse someone buying a jar of Vegemite in a London supermarket of the same thing. But if the appointment was premeditated, and a bit messy, Gallop and his executive cannot be accused of making a kneejerk decision. They had run a close eye over Postecoglou and were particularly impressed by his work during the All Stars match against Manchester United and the Victory-Liverpool game. The question that might reasonably be asked is what impressed them most. Postecoglou's ability as a coach or his performance in the public eye? It would horrify some to learn that, at least partly, Postecoglou has been appointed because he is an excellent media performer. That he will not merely be the Socceroos" coach, but the "Face of the Game"." It might even horrify Postecoglou, who made it clear from the outset he felt the best candidate - from Australia, overseas or Pluto - should get the job. Even if, quite obviously, a coach's ability to work a microphone does not mean he is not equally proficient on the training ground. But as the FFA is acutely aware, the Socceroos have lost their lustre. Most of the stars of the wonderful 2006 World Cup campaign are retired, or just tired. The Socceroos" Qantas sponsorship has not yet been replaced. Refusing to use his five-year contract as a crutch, Postecoglou pledged the most competitive performance possible at next year's World Cup. But, even before the draw has been made, there remains some trepidation the Socceroos will suffer more embarrassment in Brazil. In that context, they do not merely need a great coach. They need one who can sell hope. Not like a used-car salesman pushing a jalopy with a dodgy odometer. But with deep conviction and a tinge of good humour. Melbourne Victory fans thank Ange Postecoglou. Winning games, starting with next month's friendly against Costa Rica, is the most effective way Postecoglou can regenerate the Socceroos. He must address the issue of generational change, starting with captain Lucas Neill. Exert control over the remaining veterans. Identify and nurture potential replacements. Rebuild morale. Postecoglou was the chosen one. To do all that in eight short months, he will have to be - to borrow Jose Mourinho's famous self-description - a special one. Ange Postecoglou in his days as Young Socceroos coach.