Former Central Coast Mariners A-League coach Lawrie McKinna has signed a one-year deal to coach Chongqing Lifan FC in China’s second division.
McKinna had a spell coaching Chengdu Blades in the Chinese Super League earlier this year but has since been back working for the Mariners in marketing and football operations.
However, he said he wants to return to full-time coaching and League One club Chongqing provided an attractive offer for 2012.
“I really enjoyed my experience living in China and Chongqing Lifan have given me a fantastic opportunity to finish what I started with Chengdu,” McKinna said on Friday.
The Mariners won’t be severing ties with their foundation coach however. McKinna has already been retained as a consultant for the club’s 2012 Asian Champions League (ACL) campaign, providing first hand knowledge on opposing teams.
The Mariners and McKinna have also agreed that the club will have first right of his services when he returns from his second stint in Chinese football.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Eight trophies is nothing to be sneered at, but can Klopp’s name can be mentioned among the best managers in the Premier League era?
The Matilda scored the first two of her team's goals in the 4-0 win.
With the Liverpool manager leaving the club after this season, his West Ham rival can't wait for him to go - in the nicest…
Arsenal have survived a late scare at Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham to stay narrowly ahead in the compelling race for the Premier League title. A…
At the time this column usually goes live next Monday morning, I’ll be in the stands at Selhurst Park watching Crystal Palace take on…
