After weeks of speculation, Englishmen Mark Jackson has finally been unveiled as the Mariners’ next coach, taking over from Nick Montgomery.
Judging by the online feedback, the assessment has been swift, with some apprehensive Central Coast fans recommending other applicants including Ben Cahn and Luke Wilkshire.
It’s worth noting, however, that Wilkshire formerly walked out of the Gosford club, waving goodbye to his Head of Youth Development role. For a team that prides itself on uncovering talent, such a rash decision appeared unforgivable.
Conversely, while managing abroad, Jackson excelled at coaching in the academy system, generating a promotion for his Leeds U23 side.
Former Mariner Jason Cummings celebrates scoring during the 2023 Grand Final. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
The other legitimate CV competing with Jackson was Cahn, a former NPL coach of the year. Sadly, however, his recent Australia Cup effort with the Melbourne Knights was questionable as they registered zero shots on target against Brisbane Roar.
Jackson’s parachute into Gosford must seem intimidating, even scary, especially with the Asian Football Confederation Cup already underway. Time is limited.
He has less than a week until Stallion Laguna travel from the Phillipines to face his squad, which has been dramatically altered since winning the A-League Grand Final.
Yes he inherits a champion side, but a large chunk of the lads are now gone for new challenges overseas.
Jackson enters the picture with one senior gig under his belt, coaching Milton Keynes Dons in the English League One. Although the club’s name doesn’t flash in bright lights, his temporary position was still commendable, showing more experience than Montgomery at a similar age.
For now, there’s a period of adjustment in Gosford and a few questions arise. For example – What happens to the current team of assistants? German international Nicolai Müller only joined the staff a month ago.
Was his addition part of Montgomery’s short-term plan? A gap was left when Hibernian took the gaffer to Scotland.
Or, do the current assistants stay, each helping run the day-to-day operations of the Centre of Excellence at Tuggerah?
Regardless, welcome to Australia, MJ. May the shopping at Erina Fair delight you, and the hot sands sparkle at Terrigal beach.
It all else fails, let Jason Cummings’ early perceptions of down under guide you and just go with the flow. It was 2022, Round 21 at Mars Stadium, and the cult hero was homesick.
“And then you come here,” he reflected after the match, happily accepting his fate, pausing. “I don’t know what this place is.”
Grem
Roar Rookie
And the right back position is hopefully becoming a lot stronger - Miller, Strain, Atkinson and any new player that develops from the A Leagues this season. Throw in Risdon, Degenec, and Karacic and now there’s a lot of competition that inspires improved and consistent performances. (Hopefully!)
Brendan
Roar Pro
Incredible move if all goes well. Miller’s matured a lot at Hibs. He was a tad rough at CCM, possibly even too vocal, but now his football does the talking. Hoping he’s a Socceroo.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Looks like yet another Mariner will be a Socceroo - Lewis Miller to play against England at Wembley.
Brendan
Roar Pro
On cloud nine. The points started pilling on in the second half. You raise a good point about the weather - as a choice, would a person rather play in the sweaty heat, or the chilly rain? Probably the storm. Certainly, the test will be when MJ’s men return to Asia. Coach Jackson is off to the best possible start.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
Mariners have done the Phillipines side 9-1. The cold weather change would have been worth about half the scoreline. Last night it was about 10 degrees hotter. The away games it will be tough to beat the sides in tropical humidity. That they have lost 1-0 away to the Malaysian side. What they probably needs is two more southerly changes.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I would be even more fond of Ninkovic if he left 2 seasons before he did, but at least he did leave eventually and Wanderers are now stuck with a really old player which is great. To me its a great outcome to get a players better years and an opposition team to get them when they are old. Wilkison if he left four seasons ago and went to Wanderers as well then that would have been even better. In this case its more like CCM poisoning Sydney, they got the best years out of Wilkinson then a transfer fee and then Sydney had him years beyond his use by date and had to pay for his retirement. I wouldn't even have Wilkinson in the top center backs for Sydney. That would be Colosimo as no 1 , Petkovic as no 2 , Bujs as no 3. A lot of the Sydney fan base view Ninkovic as a traitor. My view is the reverse he is doing the job both ways now, his best years at Sydney, and then he can sabotage the Wanderers in his later years.
Brendan
Roar Pro
I have a soft-spot for Ange though. That’s my secret.
Brendan
Roar Pro
It was an old article, titled: “Selfie or sabotage? Exposing football’s multiple online identities”, available via older submissions. The issue was, it featured Cristiano Ronaldo in the main photo, even though the meat & potatoes was about Australian football. Give me Matt Simon, any day.
Brendan
Roar Pro
There will always be a soft-spot for Ninković at the Sky Blues, even if folks don’t admit it. Last season, Corica’s ushering of Ninković out of the change rooms was quite full-on. In hindsight, maybe he thought he was protecting his players? Had the tables been turned, would WSW’s Rudan done the same to Rodwell? FC do have some legendary players, you’re right.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I am really happy that Ninkovic is with the Wanderers otherwise he would be with Sydney. I would rather have banners of Grant , alongside Brosque. The worst is Wilkinson, his best years were at CCM and in Korea. If you have a player like Broxham he is a legend for Victory even though his last so many seasons have been terrible. Wilkinson has more bad seasons than good at Sydney in contrast. I would have McFlynn as the third biggest Sydney legend, he never put in a bad season.
Grem
Roar Rookie
Without knowing the whole story - I’m still a huge fan of Ninkovic. I’m disappointed that he didn’t finish his playing career with Sydney before moving into a coaching role with them. He has stated that he wants to coach youth and he will be brilliant. When going to Sydney games there should be banners hanging outside Allianz of our legends - Brosque, Del Pierro, Wilkinson, Bobo, etc and Ninkovic. Imagine a big banner of Ninko in blue on derby day!
Brendan
Roar Pro
Cheers, Redcap. I’m looking forward to Jackson’s journey. It’s another layer of drama for the Mariners.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Another article today said Ninković will be one of the oldest players in the A-League.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Ha! Too good. That’s the authoritative voice of a teacher.
Brendan
Roar Pro
Mak regularly juggles international commitments too.
Grem
Roar Rookie
You’ve been playing around again in the AFL tab. You’re a very naughty boy!
Grem
Roar Rookie
How do we get hold of your 3 day story? Is there a library/old articles section?
Redcap
Roar Guru
Probably a bit to do with the Pommie editor, too. Haven't watched the EPL in years - I assume it's still the same tedious football accompanied by slick advertising. Nice article, thanks Brendan. I knew absolutely nothing about Jackson before I saw he'd got the gig.
Garry
Roar Rookie
Im not sure theres little interest, I think its more like we dont bother commenting re EPL much.
Brendan
Roar Pro
I’ll admit, I may have rose coloured glasses on. In hindsight, it’s possible Muscat truly bloomed in a managerial role, slightly after his playing days. But… But… But… People of the jury, Mr. Muscat kept his cool - once - after being choked by John Kosmina.