12 Mar Stajcic lands first job since Matildas sacking

Alen Stajcic has been appointed as caretaker manager of A-League strugglers the Central Coast Mariners for the remainder of the season.

Stajcic, 45, replaces Mike Mulvey in the Mariners hotseat after he was sacked in the wake of their 8-2 mauling against Wellington on Saturday night.

It’s Stajcic’s first coaching job since he was controversially dismissed as Matildas boss in February.

“I would like to thank the Central Coast Mariners for providing me this opportunity,” he told Central Coast Mariners’ website.

“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.”

Central Coast have won just once in 21 games in what has been a horror campaign for the two-time A-League champions.

Stajcic’s first game in charge will be in Saturday’s F3 derby against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium.