The former leader has been sensationally reappointed to the role he quit in November last year and is set to take charge of the club for its pre-season practice match against National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 rivals St Albans Saints on Saturday.

Robinson is back in the position briefly held by Savas Saglam and his return comes less than a month out from the start of the 2016 season.

The returning coach told The Courier his decision to leave the job was because of the off-field issues at the Reds.

“The club needed to resolve them so I professionally removed myself and let the club resolve the issues,” he said.

"To see where the new board's direction is going and where the club is going, the structures that have been put in place, it was a great opportunity to come back on board."

Robinson returns to the club following the election of a new Ballarat Red Devils board of management, which confirmed his appointment on Friday morning.

“It has been 67 days since I resigned from the post, but it's good to be back on board,” Robinson said.

"Obviously there were issues off the field that were highlighted and have been played through, but it's about moving forward as a club and I think it's exciting times.”

Robinson admitted he didn’t expect to be back in the coaching job following his resignation, but said he had no issues with walking back into the club.

“I'm a professional. I moved down here to do a job and I'm employed to do a job. It's never about anything else,” Robinson said.

"I'm here to do the best job possible for football in Ballarat."

Robinson said he believed it was realistic for Ballarat to achieve success in 2016, despite its checkered pre-season campaign.

“Obviously I know the players, I know the structures, I know the environment, so I'll come in and assess in terms of where the squad is at and we always go out to win,” he said.

According to a statement released by the Red Devils, Robinson’s appointment was unanimous by the board, which considered two applications for the position.

“James brings a wealth of coaching experience and local knowledge, along with an exciting vision for the future of the club,” the statement read.

“James was the 2015 NPLV coach of the year and is known to all for his dedication, drive and leadership.

“We believe he once again will prove to be of tremendous value to the club on and off the field, and provide direction throughout both the junior academy and the senior playing group.”

The board acknowledged the efforts of Saglam and revealed that a technical director would be appointed in the near future.