Ernie Merrick - former Phoenix manager

I dont get why theyre laughing though? They fired Merrick and then replaced him with Durakovic and then Magilton ffs... lol

Have to admit it was a bit like waking up all excited on christmas morning, unwrapping your present and finding you've been given a pair of secondhand socks. However, I think it's a wise appointment. Merrick's got a lot of experience and although he's not exactly Mr Charisma I think he's a good fit with the long term aims of the club. I know it's a dull concept but first and foremost the club needs stability and Ernie will definitely provide this.

He talks the talk.. 

I would have been concerned if we had hired a young Ausi assistant manager who was unproven in the top job. I would have been excited if we had gone out on a limb had hired a Coppell. Ernie's appointment makes me neither concerned or excited. I do believe he is however an improvement on our past manager, is tactically aware and has the ability to talk the talk and motivate players.

Wow. Time to go and buy a Lotto ticket.

And no, @Prof, I did not pray for Miron all these months ago, my post was in reply to someone else's post about Miron, and all I did was to point out why he'd not be a good choice (too mercurial), and that my personal choice instead would have been Ernie Merrick.

While I put on my flame-proof jacket, I will now add insult to injury: while many wished for Coppel or another UK coach, for our money we would only have got someone from lower leagues who may/may not/ be better than Merrick, but only proven in his natural element (UK). A coach from a higher level UK league (i.e. well above A-League level, where the 'Nix plays) might of course be able to deliver the goods anywhere, regardless of the setting. But he would not come here, not for this money, and no longer than for a season.

Ernie may have a Scottish accent, but he is largely an Australian coach by experience.   If anyone has not yet learned the lesson of seeing imported coaches crash and burn in A-League, while locally trained coaches seem to thrive with every passing year, I will stop right here and stay quiet.

All these pages of angst here make me think of a peasant from a far-flung village with rutted unsealed muddy roads full of holes, staring at a low-slung Lamborghini in a city car salon, whispering "that one.... it's just what I need". It would be nice, but it would not drive well on unsealed roads, deep in mud, asked to run on a low-octane petrol. Not ideal for pulling a cart full of cabbages.

And Ernie? Now, there is a decent honest tractor. I am happy to give him a go.

I'm stoked with this appointment and looking forward to finding a bert and ernie costume for my mate and I to wear to the first home game of the season!

This is the best signing the club has ever made.

Will Greenie be able to work for a Scot?

Loved his extended interview on TV3. I think this is a great signing, everything he said was great! 

http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Extended-interview-Ernie-Merrick/tabid/317/articleID/298489/Default.aspx

I havent seen a comment from JV yet

Merrick with a smile - "I don't know what total football is" 

lol

"I have a very good relationship with Carlos......and his wife"

that puts that rumour to rest !

 Merrick presser available there

yellowfever.podomatic.com & Itunes bit.ly/YFZone

Interesting piece by Michael Cockerill

http://www.footballaustralia.com.au/Cockerill-opinion-display/Hes-baaack/67630

Why do you care so much what he thinks?

Mancrush?

I must say - the more I hear Ernie Merrick talk about "the Phoenix seem to have a problem with winning" (i.e. many of the problems of the last season or two have been psychological) the more I see the likelihood that I'll have to eat some words. He seems to agree with me on this issue and therefore is a good person. ;)

"I would like to officially apologise for signing Marco Rojas to MVFC" - Ernie Merrick.

Okay, I'm fickle. This guy is cool.

Yet another reason I really like the YF forum: it never fails to surprise, even after midnight.

Now it's my turn to eat my words (about the 'Pages of Angst'). All is good on Planet YF.

My only concern was a comment made that he (Ernie) has been told he'd be working on a limited budget. I would have thought that with some severe squad modifications required after last season, that the club would be open to suggestions from the new Manager  (Within reason of course). Talk about tying his hands behind his back before he even starts is pretty unfair. Personally I blame the Cats!

Could that comment be referring to our no-marquee policy? If so the budget isn't all that limited, he's allowed the full salary cap, and he's already got hernandez and ifill inside of that which is a fairly handy situation. 

Ernie the Tractor? or the Fastest Milkcart in the West?

"Merrick says that he is excited by the new challenge ahead and looks forward to building the Phoenix into a true A-League title contender."

Succeed On!

I'd be interested to see where Chris greenacre fits in all this now...would be good to retain in him in some capacity as he seems to be a loyal nix man

Exactly. Except for the fact that come boxing day, you wake up and realise that actually, you really really needed a pair of socks. Secondhand still wasn't ideal, but at least your toes are warm now.

nice reply that man ^^

 At first was underwelmed but after seeing his interview I'm really happy. Seems like he has changed a little from his time at Melbourne.

We may not be a possesion based team but we should be an exciting one.

The key points:

Will he gain the respect of the players - I think yes

Will he have sufficient support - Yes again

Does He know the A-League - Yes again

Can he do the Job - Yes he can