From the A-League and Asian football to NPL QLD: This team have a new coach

Eastern Suburbs have turned to a coach with experience across the A-League and Asian football to lead their NPL QLD side through the remainder of the 2026 season.

Jordan Manning has been appointed head coach with four regular-season matches remaining following the departure of Redha Alrikabi, who stepped away from his roles at the club for personal reasons last week.

Manning is already familiar with Eastern Suburbs through his role as Technical Director, which he will continue alongside his responsibilities with the senior men's team.

But the new Tigers boss also brings significant experience from professional football environments in Australia and abroad.

Manning joined Wellington Phoenix as second assistant and head analyst ahead of the 2024-25 A-League Men season, working under Giancarlo Italiano.

Prior to his move to New Zealand, he held roles with Brisbane Roar in the A-League, Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League and Thai powerhouse Buriram United.

His career has seen him work across coaching, analysis and strength and conditioning, with Manning describing himself during his time at Wellington as accustomed to operating in hybrid roles.

He now takes charge of an Eastern Suburbs side entering the decisive weeks of their NPL Queensland campaign.

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Manning inherits the foundations established during Alrikabi's three seasons at the club and has been tasked with leading the Tigers through their final four league matches before finals following the weekend’s loss to title contenders Lions FC.

The appointment also allows Eastern Suburbs to maintain continuity across their football program, with Manning continuing as Technical Director and working alongside the club's technical leads to oversee their player pathway.