The ex-West Ham and Hull City attacker was among Popovic’s assistants prior to his recent departure for Greece, and has leapfrogged Hayden Foxe to claim the top job.
Foxe took on the mantle in an interim role at the beginning of the month when Popovic headed to Europe to take the reins at Xanthi.
He is expected to have discussions with CEO Tony Pignata this afternoon to thrash over his future.
It’s unknown at this point whether he’ll remain at the club or not.
It’s understood that director of football Jacob Burns will also have talks imminently with Pignata over his position with the 2018-19 Premiers.
Depending on the outcome of the discussions with Foxe, Scotsman Steven McGarry - like Garcia, a former Glory star - could be appointed as his assistant.
The pair, first revealed as in line for the job by The World Game two weeks ago, have amassed a total of 172 combined appearances for Glory between them.
They’ve helped produce a record seven players who’ve gone on to grace Australia’s under-age national teams.
Perth-raised Garcia, 38, was also coach of Glory’s National Youth League side.
The move to appoint Garcia continues an evolving A-League trend of promoting from within, exemplified by Patrick Kisnorbo replacing Erick Mombaerts at Melbourne City, Grant Brebner landing the Melbourne Victory job and Carl Veart’s current rise at Adelaide United.
It’s also a cost-effective option for owner Tony Sage, who is looking to trim the budget for next season as the effects of Fox Sports’ reduced investment in the game and the devastating fiscal fallout of the coronavirus bite deep.
Glory are scheduled to resume AFC Champions League action next month.
