McKinna to coach Chinese soccer club

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.