SYDNEY, Sept 17, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Football Australia on Tuesday named Tom Sermanni as interim Matildas coach, replacing Tony Gustavsson who left the side following a dismal Olympic campaign.

Glasgow-born Sermanni has held top roles with some of the best women's teams in the game, including spells as head coach of the US women's national side and as a technical consultant with Canada.

He is already the longest serving Matildas coach, serving two stints from 1994 to 1997 and 2005 to 2012.

"I'm looking forward to working with this talented group of players and helping to ensure a smooth transition as Football Australia continues its search for a permanent head coach," he said in a statement.

"My immediate priority is to prepare the team for the upcoming international window."

Australia will travel to Europe in October to play Olympic bronze medallists Germany.

Former coach Gustavsson left the Matildas after failing to make it through the pool stages at the Olympics.

It was a sharp fall from grace for the Australian team, which reached the semi-finals of last year's World Cup.