New Czech coach bounces into Townsville

North Queensland Fury have officially confirmed the appointment of former Czech
Republic midfielder Franz Straka as their new coach for the 2010/11 A-League season.
Straka, who was known as the 'Czech Beckenbauer', during his playing days, enjoyed
an illustrious career that included 35 international caps and he captained the
Sparta Prague side to multiple domestic titles.
Fury's Interim CEO Archie Fraser described the announcement as the club's most
significant to date.
"Franz Straka is an outstanding international coach and we are delighted to announce
his appointment," said Fraser.
"We were amazed with the quality of the candidates for the position in terms of
their qualifications and international experience, but Franz was always our first
choice.
"His technical knowledge and passion for the game was what set him apart from the
field."
Straka's coaching career has taken him to clubs in the Czech Republic, Austria,
Greece and Germany, culminating with a one-match stint as Czech National Head Coach
last year.
There will be little time for Straka to get to know his new team with just under two
months to prepare for the Fury's opening-round match away to Perth on August 6, but
he is confident there will be no problems.
"Eight weeks is more than enough time to have them ready for the season," Straka said.
"New players will have to adapt to the climate but I think this will be to our
advantage as we will need to be the fittest team in the league to play in these
temperatures consistently."
The Fury currently have 13 players in training while a number of local and
international players are being put through their paces with further announcements
expected soon.
The first home game will be against Sydney FC on August 14 where he will be
re-acquainted with former team-mate and countryman Vitezslav Lavicka, who coached
the Sky Blues to the premiership last season.