Northern Fury has announced that former A-League manager Ian Ferguson will return to the Townsville National Premier Leagues club, taking on the position of Director of Football and Coaching.

The new role will see Ferguson oversee the club’s entire coaching structure, including guiding the NPL Queensland senior men’s team from next season.

Ferguson was the original coach of the North Queensland Fury in the A-League and also guided Perth Glory to a Grand Final appearance against Brisbane Roar in 2012.

As a player, Ferguson made over 200 appearances for Rangers in the Scottish top tier in addition to representing Scotland nine times. He also turned out for Northern Spirit in the National Soccer League and Central Coast Mariners in the A-League.

In a statement released by the club, Ferguson said he was excited about finishing what he had started at Fury in 2009.

“We’ll be implementing a few new things at the club and we’ll be tweaking a few things – we’re going to do the best we can working with coaches, players and parents,” Ferguson said.

“There’s a lot to be done but a lot has already been achieved to get the club to where it is now and the current infrastructure is very good.”

Northern Fury chairman Rabieh Krayem said Ferguson would take on an all-encompassing role, which would involve managing all matters relating to football and coaching.

“This will involve coaching the National Premier League side, overseeing the Fury Football Academy right through to eventually overseeing the National Youth League and A-League upon admission in the future,” said Krayem.

“We’re very fortunate to have Ian Ferguson come on board to help us in achieving our five-year plan for the club.

“He’s very passionate about the region and the development of players, which can only mean a great pathway for the younger players in the region. He has some great ideas and plans to move the club ahead.”

Ferguson will relocate his family from Perth to Townsville by the end of September to take over his new role in the first week of October.

“We’re really looking forward to coming back to Townsville, we have fond memories of it up there and my family really enjoyed it,” said Ferguson.

“The first time around we were forced out but I’ve had no hesitation in coming back and finishing what we started. There’s a long way to go but it’s a journey we’re prepared to take.”

Ferguson said he had been looking into another business venture when he received the call from Krayem.

“It got me excited again and I felt that passion again and it was something I couldn’t pass up,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with the kids – and tackling the challenges ahead.”

Ferguson will take over roles previously occupied by Gareth Edds and Paul Smalley, who have left the club.