Canaries legend Ian Crook has taken over as head coach of Sydney FC.

Crook – who made more than 400 appearances for the Canaries between 1986 and 1997 – returned to Australia in June, 2010, having spent 18 months at Carrow Road as coach under Bryan Gunn and then current boss Paul Lambert.

The 49-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the A-League club, having spent two years as Sydney's National Youth League coach and A-League assistant coach, following the return to Europe of Vitezslav Lavicka.

Crook was assistant coach to former German international star Pierre Littbarski when the Sky Blues won the first A-league title back in 2005-06.

'I'm thrilled and honoured to be named as head coach of Sydney FC,' Crook said.

'This club is very special to me after being part of its birth and early success and since returning to Australia I have enjoyed working with the younger players. 'To get this opportunity at Sydney FC is fantastic and I can't wait to start working on the pitch with the players, Steve Corica, Zeljko Kalac (assistants) and the football staff to make sure we get Sydney FC back where it belongs.'

Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow said the club was pleased with the appointment. 'His passion for Sydney FC runs deep, he has an impressive coaching and football knowledge and he is familiar with the club and what we are trying to achieve,' Barlow said.

'Ian already has an important place in Sydney FC history as a member of the coaching staff in our foundation season and he knows what it takes to help steer Sydney FC to success in the A-League.