The Central Coast Mariners can today confirm that Alen Stajcic has been appointed as Caretaker Coach of the Mariners for the remainder of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season.
A name that needs no introduction within Australian football circles, Stajcic most notably coached the Matildas (Australian National Team) from 2014 – 2019.
‘Staj’ as he is affectionately known, won the W-League Coach of the Year award twice (2010/11 & 2013/14) during his time with Sydney FC. Stajcic’s successful spell at Sydney FC was also recognised with an induction to the Club’s Hall of Fame.
Amongst his list of impressive accolades as a Head Coach are also Coach of the Year honours at the prestigious 2017 AIS Sport Performance Awards and nomination for FIFA Coach of the Year in 2018.
With six games remaining this season, Stajcic’s tenure commences immediately, with the details of his first training session still to be advised.
Stajcic will front the media for the first time as Mariners Caretaker Coach at 1pm TODAY. This will be LIVE STREAMED on the Central Coast Mariners Facebook Page.
Upon his arrival on the Central Coast, Stajcic spoke about the determination to relish his newest challenge.
“I would like to thank the Central Coast Mariners for providing me this opportunity,” Stajcic said. “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,” Stajcic said.
Central Coast Mariners Sporting Director Mike Phelan spoke about the focus of the next six weeks and welcomed Alen to the Club.
“Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Alen to the Mariners,” Phelan said. “Speaking with Alen and the board, there are two key elements we need to ensure over the next six weeks – that’s stability and harmony.
“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. We recognise the skills Alen has and the Club is confident that he will be able to draw on those skills for the advantage of the Mariners.
“His role is to stabilise, bring everyone together – that includes the players and the staff. He will see us through until the end of the season and help position the football club going forward.
“At the end of the season, we will assess the situation but Alen’s role at the moment is to generate some momentum leading into the back end of the season – we will discuss the future during that time, and at the end of that time,” Phelan said.
