ACE names new coaches

Pictured: ACE President Tony Dooley, left, welcomes Paul Mikula to the head coach role.

Albany Creek Excelsior (ACE) as unveiled a new senior coaching team for the 2024 FQPL 1 season.

Paul Mikula will step up from the Under 23s to take charge of the senior side and is replaced by Ben Herron, who has joined from North Brisbane.

The changes follow Steve Glockner’s decision top step down as head coach of ACE after six trophy-laden years.

With assistant Alex McMillan, he won three premierships, reached three grand finals, earned two promotions, lifted the Canale Cup and took ACE to sixth in their FQPL1 debut season.

In 2021 the ACE were unbeaten in the Brisbane Premier League and only lost cup matches and finals in extra time or on penalties.

Glockner said it’s “clearly time” to hand over the reins. “There were so many reasons and so many signs,” he said, on the ACE website, “but I’d like to call this a sabbatical.

“I’ve been coaching 24 years non-stop and am happy to be leaving ACE in better position than when I arrived.

“It’s the best club I’ve ever been at. I’ve had the best president to work with.”

Paul Mikula, who played for ACE and Moreton Bay United, said it was a “straight-forward decision” to take up the senior coaching role.

“I’ve always enjoyed the club,” he said. “I like the atmosphere here, I like the people and I think there’s a lot of potential.

“We’ll see what we can set in place now and coming weeks then come October-November get players down, have trials and take it from there.”

Replacing Mikula as coach of the Under 23s is Ben Herron, who has NPL playing and coaching experience while in Newcastle.

“When you speak to people around Brisbane they all say ACE is a strong club,” he said, on the ACE website, “so I was keen to join.

“The first task is to touch base with Paul, get an idea where last year’s players are looking to be next year.

“Toughest part is always to rebuild, so I was to see if we can retain as many as possible.”