Former North Queensland coach and Rangers legend Ian Ferguson has accepted an offer to join Perth Glory as assistant coach, forcing the cash-strapped Fury to look for a new manager while simply trying to survive in the A-League.
Ferguson led the North Queensland side to a creditable seventh place in its inaugural season, despite facing a revolt from marquee signing Robbie Fowler late in the campaign after the former Liverpool striker was unhappy with Ferguson living him on the bench.
But when Football Federation Australia (FFA) was forced to step in and take over the administration of the club after founding chairman Don Matheson pulled out a few days ago, Ferguson's position became the source of intense scrutiny as the coach was asked by FFA to re-apply for the job.
However, the 43-year-old Scotsman ended the speculation on Tuesday when he accepted an offer to become Glory coach Dave Mitchell's assistant at Perth in a one-year deal.
Ferguson's move paves the way for Fowler, who is currently in England earning his European A coaching licence, to possibly take over as captain-coach of North Queensland, although former Brisbane boss Frank Farina has also been reportedly linked with the role.
Glory boss Mitchell, though, was more excited by the wealth of experience Ferguson brings to a coaching group that also includes former Birmingham City midfielder Kenny Lowe.
"I just think if we want to compete with your Melbournes and Sydneys and be at the right end of the table, we had to boost the coaching staff," Mitchell said on Wednesday.
"We're going to bolster it and there's certain situations where we can manipulate what we're going to do, where Kenny can work on the defence and we can get Fergie working on the attack and I can work in between and put it all together."
"So there's going to be a real good blend."
"He was a cult hero at Rangers, he won nine championships so he's a big name in Scottish football."
"He's very passionate, he understands the game, he's got some great contacts as well ... so he's a good friend of mine, a good coach and like I say, great to have him on board."
According to reports, all 16 of North Queensland's players are currently re-negotiating their contracts with FFA.
But Mitchell all-but ruled out the Glory offering Fowler a position on their roster to replace the departed Daniel McBreen, a situation that would have been unlikely considering the differences Fowler and Ferguson had at the end of this season.
"He's (Fowler) a big name and all that," conceded Mitchell.
"I'll talk to Fergie about him and what was his character's like ... and I think certainly from Perth's point of view, it would be great to have him."
"But that's something that we're not thinking of now. We just want to get Fergie on board and there's other targets we're looking at, at the minute."
The Glory's search for more forwards has been boosted however by news veteran utility Jamie Harnwell has signed on for another season at the club, the 32-year-old needing just six more appearances to break Bobby Despotovski's club record.
"It will be a huge thing for me, you know taking over from Bobby, who's obviously a good friend of mine and a fantastic player," Harnwell said.
"It will be a real treat and something to look back on when I do finish playing."
But midfielder Wayne Srhoj will not be with the Glory for 2010-11, as he has rejected a new deal with the club and now looks likely to join the incoming Melbourne Heart team.