Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond says a host of discarded players out to prove a point has brought a siege mentality to the Western Sydney Wanderers. Picture: Sam Mooy Source: The Daily Telegraph
SYDNEY FC's already disastrous season has plummeted to new depths after Newcastle Jets coach Gary van Egmond rejected an audacious bid by the Sky Blues to sign him.
The Australian understands Sydney contacted van Egmond last week and offered him a three-year deal worth nearly $500,000 to take over the embattled club, effective immediately.
In an embarrassing situation for the Sky Blues, Newcastle Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby yesterday described Sydney's attempt to poach its highly regarded coach as disappointing and lacking respect.
"What they have done is disrespectful," said Middleby, who played four seasons with Sydney. "That's not how things should operate. We are disappointed with what has happened.
"For this to happen seven games into the season is simply not on. Sydney is dear to my heart. I played there.
"When Sydney is strong, the competition is strong, and you only have to look at what they have done in signing such a huge players as Alessandro Del Piero.
"But this situation is disrespectful to the players, the fans, the club and the members."
Middleby said van Egmond was "going nowhere".
"I understand there was an approach last week to Gary," Middleby said. "In the end, Gary has made it clear he is remaining loyal and staying here to continue what he has started, including the development of our exciting young players and, in particular, growing the Emerging Jets program."
Middleby admitted the round-12 clash between the two clubs on December 22 would "no doubt carry a lot more feeling".
Sydney FC chief executive Tony Pignata confirmed there had been "initial discussion with a number of coaches both locally and internationally, including Gary van Egmond".
"After showing initial interest, Gary has declared he wants to remain in Newcastle," Pignata said in a statement.
It's not the first time the Sky Blues have had van Egmond in their sights. He was one of a number of coaches the club looked at after Vitzeslav Lavicka finished at the end of last season.
Sydney's first choice was Central Coast Mariners coach Graham Arnold, but van Egmond was also in the mix.
However, by the time Arnold turned down Sydney at the last minute van Egmond had decided to stay with the Jets and was rewarded with a contract extension until the end of next season.
The Sydney job went to Ian Crook, who lasted just six weeks into the competition before resigning after the 3-2 home loss to Melbourne Victory, citing his inability to handle the pressure as one of the reasons behind his decision.
Sydney has been without a coach for two weeks, caretaker Steve Corica looking after the side for the past two matches - losses to Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United.
The club has reportedly compiled a shortlist for the position, with Frank Farina, Miron Bleiberg and Ernie Merrick mentioned while foreign candidates include Avram Grant, Pierre Litt-barski, Arie Haan and Philippe Troussier.
No comments:
Post a Comment