Dumped Australia women's coach Stajcic takes charge at Mariners

Sydney (AFP) – Struggling A-League side Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday appointed dumped national women’s coach Alen Stajcic as caretaker manager after ditching Mike Mulvey.

Stajcic had managed the Matildas since 2014 and is considering legal action against governing body Football Federation Australia after he was suddenly ousted in January.

He will take charge of the Mariners, who are facing their third wooden spoon in four seasons, for the last six games.

“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,” Mariners sporting director Mike Phelan said in a statement.

“What we need right now is a manager who can take the helm during a crucial period.”

Phelan said Stajcic’s position at the club would be reassessed after the end of the season.

The 45-year-old has only coached in women’s football and took the Matildas to as high as fourth in the FIFA world rankings in one of their most successful eras.

Football Federation Australia had said he was sacked over concerns about “workplace” and “player welfare” issues.

The Mariners are languishing at the bottom of the 10-team domestic league and have only won one game this season.

The club, located north of Sydney, made international headlines earlier this year for giving sprint king Usain Bolt a pre-season trial.