The Melbourne Heart syndicate have named former Manchester United midfielder Jesper Olsen and ex-Australia international Ante Milicic as assistants to head coach John van 't Schip for the club's debut in the 2010/11 A-League season.

Olsen played at two UEFA European Championships with Denmark and spent time at United under Sir Alex Ferguson and at Bordeaux under France's 1998 FIFA World Cup™-winning coach Aime Jacquet.

He has spent the past few years developing the next generation of stars with his own academies in Australia and Europe but this appointment is his first as a coaching professional.

Milicic enjoyed a solid playing career, making six international appearances and representing teams in both Australia's old National Soccer League and the A-League. He also spent time in the Netherlands, Croatia and Malaysia before turning his hand to coaching.

The 35-year-old combined playing and coaching with his original club Sydney United in the New South Wales Premier League this season and recently worked as an assistant under Young Socceroos coach Jan Versleijen at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2009.

"I am excited to be working alongside Ante and Jesper," Van 't Schip said. "They bring qualities to the table, which are important to build a successful football club, and will help us into the future.

"Ante's knowledge of youth football, development and the A-League will prove important, while Jesper's experience in the Dutch system will reinforce the football style and philosophy I hope to integrate."

"Melbourne Heart syndicate has deliberately set out to build a coaching panel that is capable of delivering exciting football," added club chief Scott Munn. "Encouraging both devotees of the game as well as newcomers to the sport to get on board and support our team (is our goal)."