Ange Postecoglou quits as Australia manager ahead of World Cup

Australia manager Ange Postecoglou has quit his position at the helm, despite guiding his team to next year's World Cup.

The Socceroos booked their ticket to Russia after defeating Honduras over two legs in the play-offs.

Postecoglou however will not be joining his side, after stepping down from the job following weeks of uncertainty surrounding his position.

Reports had been circulating indicating Postecoglou would vacate his position after the Honduras fixtures, regardless of the outcome.

After meeting with Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Steven Lowy and chief executive officer David Gallop, it was decided by all parties that the time had come to move on.

The 52-year-old admitted taking charge of the national side had taken its toll in both personal and professional capacities, despite being a great honour.

"This has been a very tough decision for me," Postecoglou said in a statement released by the Australia FA.

"It has been a privilege for me to coach my country's national team, to lead them at the 2014 World Cup, to win the Asian Cup in 2015 and now to have qualified for the World Cup next year. I said we would do it and we have done it.

"All this however, has taken a toll on me both personally and professionally. I have invested all I can knowing how important a period it was for Australian football. It is with a heavy heart that I must now end the journey.

"To coach your own country is the greatest privilege but it also has enormous responsibility. I feel now is the right time to pass on that responsibility to someone who will have the energy it requires," he added.