Melbourne Heart assistant coach Ante Milicic exclusively told SoccerAnchor.com earlier today that he is hopeful of being names the club's coach next season, while also declaring that the inclusion of a team from Western Sydney will be a tough assignment.

The Sydney-born Milicic is reportedly in a head-to-head battle with fellow assistant and close friend John Aloisi for the top job at the Heart next term, following the departure of John van 't Schip, a man who played a pivotal role in his and the club's development.

"To put (what I think about JVS) in one sentence wouldn't do justice to him," Milicic exclusively told SoccerAnchor.com.

"He has helped me as a coach, and I think his biggest trait is the way he gets his point across in a very relaxed manner. He's also a gentleman, who is very humble.

"I now consider him a friend, and I was very fortunate to spend two years with him - and I'm a better person for it."

And with regards to the current race to replace JVS, Milicic added: "There haven't been any decision as of yet. Both of us (he and Aloisi) will put to the board the philosophy and structure of what we think will be best for the club going forward.

"Both John and myself are keen to remain with the organisation, but yes, I do want the leading job as coach of course."

The Heart were disappointingly eliminated from the A-League finals last weekend, losing 3-0 to a Shane Smeltz inspired Perth Glory side. The current assistance admitted that changes will need to be made for next season.

He continued: "The club are looking to improve. But that's a decision for the head coach. We've discussed that as a football department. We need to look at that and do a review.

"We really need to see what the budget is and what's available. We're gong through the process now, but we'd like to think in all areas that we can add one player in each line for next season."

Most of the talk in the A-League over the past 48 hours has surrounded the confirmation that a team from Western Sydney will be instated for next season, while earlier today it was revealed that the Gold Coast United will not feature.

There has been plenty of debate with regards to whether or not this team from Western Sydney will be a success, with Milicic suggesting that there is a great deal to get right, in a very short period of time.

Milicic said: "If they get it right, it will be a success. Everyone knows about the potential, but it's not enough. You need the right people involved in the right areas.

"People in that area, probably for obvious reasons, have  stayed away from the Sydney FC market. In that area you have a good chance of establishing a foundation.

"The amount of potential out there is unbelievable. But in a short space of time, getting it right won't be easy. Hopefully it's a welcomed addition to the A-League."

The former Socceroo, who made six appearances for the national team, scoring five goals in the process, concluded by offering the new club some advice going forward, on the back of his involvement with the 

"I would tell them to make it a community based club, to get out there and make people feel apart of it, and also to make different nationalities feel like one.

"The people want to know that there's room there, and that they feel welcome. People from Western Sydney have a pathway, which is very important. If they don't make it at Sydney FC, they know there is another chance for them, particularly kids at the crossroads around the age of 14 or 15."

If you would like to hear more of what Ante Milicic had to say, tune into the latest SoccerAnchor Australia Podcast.