Melbourne Victory chairman Geoff Lord admits it is unfortunate timing to announce a contract extension for coach Ernie Merrick on the night of the A-League club’s biggest ever home loss.
But the Victory boss says Merrick, who has led Melbourne to two championships in the club’s four previous seasons, fully deserves another two seasons at the helm.
“The timing’s not the best Ernie, but … we’re very honoured to extend Ernie’s contract for another two years,” Lord told reporters after Melbourne were thrashed 4-0 by Central Coast Mariners at Etihad Stadium.
“Taking tonight totally out of the equation, Ernie’s been coaching now for four-and-a-half years, we think he’s done an outstanding job for the club, his record is the best win-loss ratio of any coach in the A-League.
“We’re very pleased to go forward again with Ernie, he obviously has more than deserved his opportunity.”
Lord said there had never been any serious doubt from either party that Merrick would stay at the helm.
He and Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna are the only inaugural A-League coaches still with the same clubs.
“It is a great honour to stay at what has been the most successful club and the board have been fantastic in support of the football program,” Merrick said.
“I’m really disappointed about the result tonight, but it’s about going forward from here.”
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