Sacked Matildas boss Alen Stajcic is back in football after he was appointed caretaker coach of A-League strugglers Central Coast.
Stajcic, controversially axed as coach of the Australian women’s team in January, will take over the Mariners for the remainder of the season.
The 45-year-old fills the void left by the sacking of Mike Mulvey just hours after the rock-bottom Mariners’ 8-2 home thrashing by Wellington on Saturday night.
“I would like to thank the Central Coast Mariners for providing me this opportunity,” Stajcic said in a statement.
“This is a club with a very rich history, which is something that everyone is committed to restoring.
“We’re well aware of the hard work ahead of us, but that starts now.
“I relish a challenge and can’t wait to get started.”
Ironically, given Football Federation Australia cited poor team culture as a factor in his dismissal from the Matildas, the Mariners said Stajic was tasked with stabilising the A-League club.
“Speaking with Alen and the board, there are two key elements we need to ensure over the next six weeks — stability and harmony,” Mariners sporting director Mike Phelan said in a statement.
“Alen is an experienced coach, he has experience at the highest level coaching his country, and is held in high esteem for what he achieved on the international stage.
“What we need right now is a manager who can take the helm during a crucial period.
“His role is to stabilise, bring everyone together. That includes the players and the staff.”
Stajcic will front a media conference in Tuggerah later on Tuesday.