Thanks...I thought he was getting/had already been given the contract
Interim coach Jim Magilton departs from Melbourne Victory
www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/soccer/interim-coach-jim-magilton-departs-from-melbourne-victory/story-e6frfg8x-1226315776836Interim Melbourne Victory coach Jim Magilton has parted ways with the club. Getty Images
FORMER Northern Ireland midfielder Jim Magilton says he's leaving the Melbourne Victory after being appointed the interim coach for the A-League side in January and having little success since.
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Magilton replaced the fired Mehmet Durakovic but could only manage two wins in 12 matches as the Victory slumped to eighth place, well out of playoff contention.
He had said he was keen to be given a longer-term contract, but the team decided to open the coaching job to outside prospects.
Victory managing director Richard Wilson said Sunday that when Magilton was told he was just one of several candidates on a short list, he declined to take part in the selection process.
The Victory will now step up the search for their fourth coach in the space of 12 months.
Foundation coach Ernie Merrick was dumped at the end of the previous season and replaced by Durakovic, whose term in the top job was short-lived.
Wilson praised Magilton for his efforts during his brief stint at the Victory.
"Jim arrived at the shortest of notice, on a leap of faith, stepping into a role that he had limited background on," he said in a statement.
"We realise that we didn't ultimately reach the finals this season, which was our goal, but we also believe Jim was unlucky not to have finished with a better record, given we conceded goals in the dying stages of games against Sydney and Gold Coast.
"He was a total professional throughout the three months he was here.
"His preparation week-to-week was exceptional, his team selection saw the integration of several youngsters and was always in the best interests of the club.
"He also re-shaped a number of processes in the football department with the support of his assistant Chris O'Loughlin, who he brought with him, which will hold us in very good stead as we take our next steps forward."
O'Loughlin has also left the club.