Former Australia international Gary Michael Philips has started his job as technical director at ANFA.

ANFA officially welcomed him at the complex on Thursday. His job is to oversee all technical details about the national team(s), coaches, training programs and other technical aspects related to ANFA.

Under fund provided by AFC, ANFA appointed Philips as the technical director.

As a coach, Phillips was in charge of Sydney Olympic in the 2001–2002 and 2002–2003 seasons, winning the title in 2001–2002, before he was extraordinarily dismissed the following season. 


After working in a coaching capacity for the Asian Football Confederation in Kuala Lumpur, Phillips took over as head coach and technical director of Malaysian Premier League side Sabah FA in December 2009 and guided the team to Super League promotion in 7 months.

After a tough start to life in the Super League as the team was rocked by injury and forced to play eight of their first 12 matches on the road, Phillips was dismissed on 5 May 2011, replaced by former Sabah player and coach of Sabah President's Cup team Justin Ganai.


In February 2015, He took over as manager of Papua New Guinea women's national football team.


Shortly following the conclusion of the 2015 Malaysia Premier League season, Phillips returned to Malaysia and signed a contract with NS Matrix F.C.

He coached the Davao Aguilas during the 2017 season until he was replaced midseason in September 2017 by Marlon Maro.