Sydney FC are set to embark on a worldwide search for a new coach after the A-League club and Vitezslav Lavicka mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the season.
The Czech coach’s departure comes amid two disappointing seasons since leading them to the premiership-championship double in his first season in 2009/10.
Sydney FC chief executive Dirk Melton said the club met Lavicka earlier this week with both parties agreeing it was time for a “new direction” at the club.
Lavicka said he was sad to depart but had struggled living away from his wife and two daughters, who have been in Prague for the past 12 months.
Melton said the Sky Blues would immediately begin their search for a 2012/13 coach and would consider both international and domestic candidates.
Central Coast coach Graham Arnold and Italian great Gianfranco Zola are among some early names being linked with the club, but Melton stressed the process to find a replacement would be a thorough one.
“There’s a pretty structured framework that we’re working through in regards to the recruitment so, like the recruitment of any senior position in any business or industry in the world, it’s got to be done in the right way,” Melton told AAP.
“We’ll be looking here and overseas and we’ve got to work out of the set attributes; what are the must-haves, what can we afford and what can we make happen?”
The Sky Blues are hanging on to sixth spot with eight matches to go this season and captain Terry McFlynn said news of Lavicka’s departure would inspire them heading into Sunday’s clash with Newcastle at the Sydney Football Stadium.
“The boss has been fantastic since he came to the club,” McFlynn said.
“The first season he was here we won the double so it’s important for us as players now to send him out as a winner.”
Lavicka said he would give his all in making his final months at the club a success and would leave the club proud of his achievements.
“I have enjoyed my time at Sydney FC and I want to continue to do my best and work hard with the players and staff at Sydney FC to be as successful as possible this season,” Lavicka said.
“But for next year, I am living too far away from my family and they are very important.
“Since I came to Sydney, I have been lucky to meet many good people, work with professional people – staff and players – and we managed to achieve great success in the first year.
“I will always have good memories of my time in Sydney, especially the Sydney FC members and fans.”
Melton announced Lavicka’s contribution to the club would be honoured with his name being given to the annual clubman of the year award.
“Vitezslav as a man is beyond reproach,” Melton said.
“He is driven by values that make him a tremendous role model. He has incredible integrity, humility and honour and his warm smile, welcoming handshake and positive outlook have set a standard for everyone at the club.”
Former Sparta Prague and Czech under 21s coach Lavicka is Sydney’s longest serving coach following stints by Pierre Littbarksi, Terry Butcher, Branko Culina and John Kosmina.
apaway
Roar Guru
There is no need to look overseas for a new coach. Sydney FC have plenty to choose from right here; Alex Tobin, Jean Paul De Marigny, Peter Tsekenis and Brad Maloney are all highly respected and qualified coaches who already live in Sydney. Steve Corica has been groomed for the top job at the club ever since he retired as a player. Might be time for SFC to look in their own back yard.
pete4
Guest
Yes I heard 3 companies were interested but Caltex (shorts) was the only one which got the green light apparently
Titus
Guest
I have also heard that they had interested parties, but those parties were in competition to the FFA spnsors.
pete4
Guest
SportsFanMelb - apparently the price SFC are willing to accept I hear is $750K a season for front of shirt sponsor. The owners deemed it wasn't an issue and they basically weren't going to lower it through any negotiation
Nathan
Guest
I would like to commend CEO Dirk Melton and Vitezslav Lavicka because they didn't wait until the end of the season to determine what will happen. To make the decision three months before seasons end, ensures that proper scouting for the new coach can become a longer and a more thorough process. Melton in the press conference said that they are looking for a coach that represents what the club is. Even though Lavicka has had a tough time recently, it is safe to say it has been successful because they won the double in Lavicka's first season.
SportsFanGC
Roar Guru
Just a quick question - does anyone know why Sydney have been unable to find a shirt sponsor for this season? Or where any negotiations are on this front? It seems odd that the team from the biggest city (and therefore market) has played almost the entire season without a shirt sponsor?
The Bear
Guest
Pete4...I doubt that SFC will go this way, considering how glowing they are in this article of the character and personality of the guy. Or maybe they are just so relieved to see him go?
Matt F
Guest
True, I was a little harsh! Though I'm sure there are better managers then Bruce around, and who would probably demand alot less financially.
Realfootball
Guest
In a club with a history of mismanagement, this has been handled with admirable dignity and respect. Melton is doing a terrific job. Now all they need is a team to match.
pete4
Guest
Another scenario could be Ernie Merrick joins Gary Cole (SFC football operations manager) up there. Had at good partnership at the Victory
wisey_9
Guest
equating anyone to terry butcher is a little bit harsh...
wisey_9
Guest
I think Roy Keane has proven that he is pretty rubbish at management... Yorke would be interesting!
Matt F
Roar Guru
Steve Bruce? We might as well bring Terry Butcher back...
Axelv
Guest
I wish!
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
Hearts no doubt
Axelv
Guest
Miron Bleiberg? :) Rumour is there won't be a certain club by the end of the season.
JAJI
Guest
He was supposed to go last year but Scott Barlow resigned him without telling Frank Lowy or Paul Ramsey.... So this was inevitable...at least Sydney FC save some coin.... Graham Arnold males so much sense - does he still live on the Northern Beaches?
pete4
Guest
Dwight Yorke and Roy Keane apparently applied for the MV job... both could be interesting for SFC
Qantas supports Australian Football
Guest
No doubt that Lavicka was an outstanding role model and it was sad he couldn't emulate the success of his first year---that was an outstanding season. Good luck to him when he returns home to Prague. I hope we see Corica and Spida take over next year. I think we have learnt enough from foreign managers. I'm sure we now have enough home grown experience to take over at club level---time to give our home grown ambitious guys a fair go.
wisey_9
Guest
Steve Bruce?