In late December I was somewhat stressed by a pressing and personal matter around which I required some advice.
As it happens and for a variety of reasons, the person best suited to dishing out that advice and possessing a potential solution was Central Coast Mariners manager Alen Stajcic.
It was game day, New Year’s Eve and the Mariners’ season opener against the Jets was slated for 7:05pm that evening.
Selfishly, I called his mobile late morning and left a message. My original concern was that Stajcic would anticipate I was hunting some information or a quick comment about the upcoming derby.
Even worse, I feared he might think the call was to confirm player rumours or club based issues that would be the last things on his mind in the lead up to what many thought would be a challenging season for his squad.
Despite those realities for head coaches, as the press poke and prod around the issues in the game, Stajcic texted almost immediately; indicating that he was spending the morning with his family and that he would call in around an hour.
He did so.
We have spoken a few times before, with those conversations forming the basis of a feature piece I wrote on him some months back.
However, this time it was personal and I assured Stajcic of that fact as our conversation began.
He listened, comprehended the position in which I found myself and responded with sage-like advice. Pleasingly, my problem was solved and the former Matildas mentor could not have been more giving of his time or spot on with his view on the situation.
It said much about the man whose good name was slandered, smeared and trawled through a mud heap when FFA terminated his role with the Australian women’s national team.
Stajcic is calm, measured and precise with both words and action and still to this day has resisted any temptation to convey the injustice he felt when FFA director Heather Reid and others dared to besmirch his reputation.
One can only imagine the strength required to remain silent when phrases like “toxic culture” are pinned to a football manager’s public reputation and work, particularly when apparently based on little more than opinion and agenda.
To this day, there has yet to be clarification around the actual reasons behind the decision; just months out from what appeared likely to be the Matildas best chance yet to challenge for a World Cup.
(Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Stajcic’s class during that period and his returning of my call, both say a whole lot more than the bitter words of a group of hateful people intent on discrediting him.
History will tell us that some seven hours after our conversation, his boys played like warriors on that opening night, securing a 1-0 win.
It will also inform us that they continued to do so in subsequent weeks, toppling the Bulls, unluckily dropping three points against the Wanderers and slaying the giant in a 2-0 win against A-League champions Sydney FC last Friday.
I’d suggest Stajcic’s head hit the pillow in a contented manner once all his media and club commitments were completed that night; his squad flying high on the ladder with nine points from a possible 12.
Anyone not grinning from ear to ear and pleased with his success in Gosford must surely lack any appreciation of justice and redemption.
For the man told that the Matildas’ culture he had shaped was unacceptable to then about-face the fortunes of a club that had comfortably won four of the last five A-League wooden spoons is somewhat embarrassing for his accusers and testament to his professional talents.
Sure, there is no guarantee that the Mariners’ current run of form and results will continue. They may well miss out on finals football for the seventh season in succession.
However, something tells me that the foundations built by Stajcic at Central Coast are cement-like and if persisted with, sure to turn around the fortunes of a foundation and proud club.
Many of us will be keeping our eyes on the Mariners in coming weeks hoping the magic remains and that the A-League’s most recent unsuccessful club continues to shake up the competition.
Such success is positive for the domestic game, brilliant for the league and just rewards for Alen Stajcic as both a mentor and a man.
Salvatore
Guest
#Stajcicin
Pork Chop
Roar Rookie
Nobody ........ and I mean every person and imaginary being ..........can predict the future. Anybody can make a wishful statement but to make a statement that is not backed by current fact and immediate history bares no creditability to my mind. Waz ........ you need to read the cultural shift Stajcic has obtained, the confidence he has instilled in the players that were on the books last season, the tactical advantage he has employed using the players his diminutive budget allowed. Then look at the table and the coaches that his team has defeated ........ which includes the two bling brothers at sfc and city. So sorry. My main worry is which cheque book is going to be wagged at him and when☹️
Punter
Roar Rookie
Haha, likewise with my Mrs, I know how you get he to bite. I knew the Blackwood comment would get you going.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
Geeze Punter, the 1 in 16 years was a few comments back, You can't keep hanging a guy for that one statement. Reminds me of the arguments I have with the Mrs when she recalls something I said 3 months ago.
Punter
Roar Rookie
I was just counteracting your BS, about only producing 1 in 16 years comment. what is good for the goose is good for us all.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
@Punter - thanks for that but still not quite 1 per year. With SFC being one of the richest clubs, also having a very large market to select from, I would expect them to produce 2 or 3 A League quality players every year. I accept, they all can't fit into SFC first team, or even make their A League squad, but that doesn't mean they stop promoting their youth. As I have said numerous times, we expect better from SFC, Victory and especially City. We don't want to see other clubs coming over here and promising kids a better opportunity when even blind Freddy can see it is all BS. [and speaking of BS as much as I think George B was a decent player, I think you are trying one on sunshine, to suggest he became our Greatest player] While I'm on 'fire' at the moment your comment "Calem Neiumenhof probably the best of the young players in the first few rounds" shouldn't go without a challenge. Yes he could be something extra special, but we'll never know because he can't get a game, or even make the bench. So there in fact is my argument summed up in your own statement.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Aaron Calver, who we didn't want to lose, Burgess, and there are many more.
Grem
Roar Rookie
I understand what you are saying and I'm more a football supporter than a Sydney FC supporter. While I have and will continue to have a membership with Sydney I love seeing other clubs do well. I am enjoying seeing Adelaide play good football with their young team and I was disappointed when they lost a few good young players before the season started. I'm especially disappointed that Riley McGree is either injured or on a bench in the Championship. I also agree that Sydney should be producing a lot of talented young players - given the population of Sydney and NSW. They appear to have a strong academy, their youth team has been successful in the Y League and state league. There should be more young Brett Emertons, Mark Schwarzers, etc. coming through. Players like Luke Ivanovic, Cam Nieuenhoff, Joel King, etc look talented and need lots of game time to continue to grow. As Adelaide Andy has mentioned I'd also like to see some indigenous players being developed too - but I don't believe there are any cultural problems at the club as Andy has written. I don't know what the answer is to the lack of money in some clubs because the stronger and better our weakest club is then the better the A League becomes. My only comparison to following clubs that you mentioned is when Sydney lose players like Le Fondre to India, Merjievski to the Middle East, Brandon O'Neil to Thailand, etc. I find it difficult to believe that Australian football can't compete financially with countries I would think we could financially compete with. Unfortunately, the sport we love is not our most popular sport sport and it doesn't have the money of the AFL or the NRL. I can only imagine how great our A League would be with the budget of AFL. Until then I look forward to an even comp, new talent emerging that hopefully makes it to the Socceroos and one of the top leagues, clubs holding onto the players they develop and an underdog team winning this year.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
29 games that is clearly wrong, the point would be his success rate this season is 75%, His success rate last season was 18%. Its not like the squad has had that many additions and many of the starters this season are players who Stajic had last season but chose not to start. Most of the players that left were poached by others instead of being let go by Stajic.
Punter
Roar Rookie
He provided 1 example, not 1 in 16 years. Add Matt Jurman Socceroo. Ryan Grant Current Socceroo Terry Antonis Alex Gerbasch Danish Club, fringe Socceroo Dimi Petratos, also played for BR & NJ Nikolia Topar Stanley only player to captain a team in Asian champions league George Blackwood, greatest AU player. Cameron Devilin killing it at WP Joel King current fullback Harry Van der Haag, current reserve fullback Marco Tilio killed in Youth league now Melb City Ryan Teague, with Portugese club Calem Neiumenhof probably the best of the young players in the first few rounds.
Midfielder
Roar Guru
I think we have turned a corner ..... Interestingly and I wrote an article bout this some years ago.... but when the Mariners do well so does the A-League ... Heaps of reasons but having the smallest population and unlike Newcastle / Hunter were Football has long standing and is well respected... The Mariners are in a more typical Australian sporting environment meaning they need fans of other codes .... so when we lift it does have an affect on the league as a whole...
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
@Grem, try losing youth players like this, year in year out to the likes of City, or Victory and then try and tell us that SFC are doing a great job in developing players. One in 16 years isn’t a fine record! I’m not convinced, as you appear to be, that SFC are doing a good job in their youth program, if they were then one or two of these types of players would be pushing for an A League spot every season, somewhere. I am now convinced that a NSD will bring more pressures onto A League clubs to introduce a proper transfer system. If they start producing youth players capable of playing at senior levels, then NSD clubs will come calling, fees exchanged and youth players given more opportunity.
Rodger King
Roar Rookie
I have no doubt that SFC do have as many talented youngsters as every other club. They just don't use them as often. Instead of giving one of their youth strikers some valuable game time and gain experience, they go and bring back Bobo. They really do lack a long term vision for their club. Yes their supporters will 'yell' that they are the current champions etc etc etc and that is all that matters, but is it?
Tad Pohle
Guest
There has been a cultural change been going on at the ccm for a few seasons. The accomplished juniors coming through now are actually the product of Montgomery and his coaching staff. Stajcic is reaping the benefit of their development and no better coach than to do just that, continue the development. It was sad to lose buhagiar and Wales a few years ago but the steps to plug the losses is surely a feather in the sod charleworth’s cap.
Punter
Roar Rookie
Hey Grem, I'm a follower of Derby county in England, so I understand AdelaideAndy feels following a little club & being jealous of the big clubs, i hate Liverpool Man Utd & city.
Nick Symonds
Guest
Maybe you should suggest it to Stajcic and see if he can get the team together to do their own YouTube video. Sea shanties were used to get people hauling ropes in time together as a way of promoting team work. Football is about team work as well. They'll be the talk of the A-League if they do and it might even make the news. Or are there rules against group singing now? Stupid virus... - Here's a Bernie Sanders shanty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Xjx6LRmSk
Hudddo
Roar Rookie
Yeah the defence in the other side of the league is on point what's your against? 5, in 4 games.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Enjoyed reading that. Well said. Great for the league and Newcastle's win wasn't too shabby either. Victory the only side without much to cheer for so far. That will upset many supporters!
Nick Symonds
Guest
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS Craig Foster has been named as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia for his ongoing activism for refugees in detention, human rights and promoting multiculturalism. Tim Cahill was appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for his service to football and philanthropic work. Sam Kerr has been recognised for her feats at Chelsea by being named the 2021 Young Australian Achiever of the Year in the UK, awarded by the Australia Day Foundation UK.
Grem
Roar Rookie
How many more of these stories would you like? Let's go one for one.