Sydney FC are on the hunt for a new coach after it was announced on Friday that Vitezslav Lavicka will leave the club at the end of the season.
Lavicka's future had been a source of speculation over the last month, with the club deciding at a board meeting last week it was time to go in a 'new direction'.
The Czech boss, who is in his third year with Sydney and is the club's longest serving manager, will return to Europe to be closer to his family.
After winning the A-League title in Lavicka's debut season in 2009/10, Sydney have struggled over the last two campaigns, missing the finals last season, and they are in sixth position this term with eight games to go until the finals.
Although the focus remains on securing a berth in the finals and pushing for the title, Sydney chief executive Dirk Melton said the search for a new manager would begin immediately.
"We're in a tough town, this is the toughest sporting landscape in the world with 19-20 professional sporting franchises," Melton said.
"This is a media town and it's about entertainment. It's really important that consistent, entertaining football is something we portray."
Melton said Sydney would not just look at local candidates but would also scour the international scene for the best man for the job.
The current manager, meanwhile, is still very much focused on achieving all he can in his final few months in the job.
"I have enjoyed my time at Sydney FC and I want to continue to do my best and work hard with the players and staff to be as successful as possible this season," Lavicka said.
"I'm proud to have been a part of Australian football. When I came here for my first season to now, the A-League has grown and I'm very proud to be a part of this."
"I am happy with what I have achieved here, especially that first season, it was like a dream."
"I will always have good memories of my time in Sydney, especially the Sydney FC members and fans."