Coach deserves his shot at redemption

I’VE SPOKEN at length about Alen Stajcic, the Matildas and the Football Federation of Australia in this column.

The way in which the FFA sacked then Matildas coach Stajcic is perplexing to say the least.

Making matters worse is the fact the FFA has refused to shed any more light, aside from suggestions of a bad culture/ environment, on the sacking.

What the FFA should have done was be open and honest.

Instead of circling the wagons they should’ve been clear and concise – their decision to be silent only added fuel to the rumour-mill fire.

But I digress.

The reason I’m talking about all of this is because Stajcic is back in the game.

The former Matildas mentor was announced as the interim-coach for A-League cellar dwellers Central Coast Mariners.

First of all, I applaud the decision by the Mariners.

With very little resources and support Stajcic made the Matildas into a world football powerhouse.

In the space of just five years he took the Matildas from bitpart players to legitimate World Cup contenders.

Watching the Matildas play over the last year or two I honestly felt Stajcic should be considered for the Socceroos job.

I say that not because I think the men’s job is a better role but because I believe he could help them play better football.

At this stage Stajcic only has six games in charge of the Mariners, but unless Jose Mourinho or Ange Postecoglou apply, I don’t see why he shouldn’t get the job full-time.

After all, if the FFA was really concerned about Stajcic surely they would’ve blocked the move.

Personally I hope he makes a real fist of this – at face value he’s a great coach and he deserves his shot at redemption.

Hopefully, there’s no “real skeletons” in his closet though – that’d make me look like a right goose.