THE SYDNEY Swans are searching for a new football manager after chairman Richard Colless announced that the incumbent, Andrew Ireland, will replace outgoing CEO Myles Baron-Hay.

Ireland’s promotion to CEO came on a day of change at the club, with coaching co-ordinator John Longmire to replace Paul Roos as senior coach at the end of 2010.

Ireland is well-qualified for the job after spending the past seven years as the Swans’ football manager.

Before moving to the Swans, he was the CEO of the Brisbane Bears/Lions for 11 years from 1990. He co-ordinated the club’s move to Brisbane from the Gold Coast and oversaw the Lions’ first premiership in 2001.

Colless said Ireland’s efforts as the Swans’ head of football had set the benchmark for other AFL clubs.

“The role that Andrew created when he came here in 2002 is now the standard for the competition and we are simply looking for the best person available to run our football department,” he said on Wednesday.

Colless said Ireland’s first task would be to define Roos’ role at the club after he steps down at the end of 2010.

“Paul has indicated his very strong desire to stay involved with the club beyond 2010. We’re talking about talent identification, recruiting [and] player development,” he said.