Robinson, who has coached Ballarat for the past three season, has been appointed as the Roar’s youth team coach.

While it wasn’t easy to leave the club, the opportunity to return to the top competition of soccer in the country was one too good to refuse. But Robinson was confident in the knowledge the club was left in capable hands.

“The club is in great hands. It’s got a great football department, it’s got a fantastic board that are laying the foundations to make sure it’s not just sustainable, but the vision to make sure the club is the choice of western Victoria players,” Robinson said.

“If you’ve got great people – that’s what makes a football club.”

Robinson said he’d seen the biggest growth within the playing group throughout his time. He said they had welcomed the challenges set and driven the standards that had been outlined.

The former Melbourne Victory striker said he had built some strong relationships at the club and would be forever grateful for the opportunity and looked forward to watching Ballarat’s continued development from a far.

“You do leave with a heavy heart. I’ve come away with some fantastic memories and some long-lasting relationships that will go well beyond football.”

The Ballarat Red Devils’ board will advertise the role immediately as it looks to build on the foundations set by Robinson.

While it was clearly disappointed to lose someone of the calibre of Robinson, the club felt the appointment would continue to strengthen the clubs link with the A-League - following Brandon Lauton’s selection in the Melbourne Victory youth squad last month.

And hoped the news was another step towards growing the club and underlining its evolution as a regional club.

“The club is delighted that James has been recognized for his outstanding work with the McDonald’s Ballarat Red Devils,” Senior football director Andrew Burgess said.

“His appointment to Brisbane Roar opens up a direct link between the club and the A-­League pathway which can only be positive for regional players pursuing their dreams to play professional football. We believe that James’ appointment to the A­-League will also help promote our club as a destination of choice for quality coaches seeking to join our organisation.”