Brisbane (Australia) (AFP) – Former Socceroos star John Aloisi quit Friday as coach of A-League strugglers Brisbane Roar after a poor start to the season.

Aloisi, who secured Australia’s place in the 2006 World Cup after slotting home a winning play-off penalty against Uruguay, said it was in the best interests of the club that he stand down.

“For the past three-and-a-half years, I have given every minute of my life to make the Brisbane Roar a success,” he said in a statement.

“Upon reflection of the current situation, I have made the difficult decision to stand down effective immediately as I believe this is in the best interest of the playing group and football club.”

The Roar are ninth in the 10-team A-League table with just one win and five losses from nine matches.

The club said Darren Davies would take over as interim coach until a new one is appointed.