In the short history of the competition, we have been treated to some incredibly insightful coaches – let me take you through five of the less-celebrated.
Ian Crook (2012/13)
This appointment to Sydney FC had all the makings of a smart acquisition. The promise of attacking football, a star-studded line up with Alessandro Del Piero, Yairo Yau and Brett Emerton but no results to show for it.
The Englishman lasted just six games at the helm. In this time, he oversaw a 7-2 loss to the Central Coast Mariners, and he resigned from the helm following Melbourne Victory’s famous 3-2 win over the Sky Blues after an Andrew Nabbout masterclass.
In terms of intent to play an attractive brand, Crook seemed to be the ideal choice. His downfall seemed to be relying on an aging Del Piero to win him matches. Unfortunately, he neglected defensive duties and Sydney suffered a horrible season as a result.
Tony Walmsely (2015/16)
This one will hurt Mariners fans to even hear his name. The technical director turned coach took the Central Coast through their worst performance in history.
In a spell which included three wins in a season, the former Manchester United youth academy director was given the boot after losing to NPL side Green Gully in the FFA Cup Round of 32.
The club played some semi-attractive football under Walmsely, but ultimately, were losing games that they should have won. A far fall from grace from the all-conquering Mariners sides only a few years earlier.
Terry Butcher (2006/07)
His first downfall was at the beginning of A-League season two, letting go of Dwight Yorke. It is perhaps harsh to blame that on him, but the season could have gone so much better if ‘all night Dwight’ was on board for another season.
The champions of the inaugural season lost their German coach in Pierre Littbarski and gained a fairly cautious English coach who never truly got on the Cove’s good side.
The side relied heavily on former Socceroo David Zdrillic, who did not net an alarming amount of goals.
Sydney finished fourth and were knocked out by the Newcastle Jets in the first final series round.
An appointment I am sure all parties regret.
Josep Gombau (2017/18, Western Sydney Wanderers)
Of course, this makes no reference to Gombau’s time at Adelaide United where he was a general success.
The Spaniard took over six rounds into the season after the departure of the club’s inaugural coach Tony Popovic to Turkey. Despite holding a solid CV from Adelaide, this was perhaps a little too much to handle for the former Barcelona youth academy coach.
The playing style of Gombau differed greatly from that of Popovic, and with the side in a transitional period, he struggled to get consistent results on the field.
He was sacked just six months into a three-year tenure. Rumours of player in-fighting and his lack of ability to control big names in the squad such as Brendan Santalab, Roly Bonevacia and Robert Cornthwaite made it difficult for him to gain the respect of the dressing-room.
The side finished seventh, missing out on the finals and Gombau and the club mutually agreed to terminate the contract.
Jim Magilton (2011/12)
The Northern Irishman was appointed in January of the 2011/12 season following the sacking of Mehmet Durakovic. Things never really got going for the former Oxford United and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder.
He got the backing from the board to release veterans Rodrigo Vargas and Fabio Tavares and brought in current fan favourite Adama Traore.
His time was up after only three months in charge of the club after the club failed to make the finals. Magilton’s three-year deal that was initially offered was retracted by Victory.
Unattractive football and one of the club’s worst winning percentages proved not to be the best combination for a club that is statistically one of the best in the country.
The league does have Magilton to thank for one thing, the inclusion of fan-favourite Traore to Australian shores.
Feature image credit: Supplied
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