Damien Mori to Coach Canberra?

Mori Tapped for Canberra Coaching Gig

NSL and A-League legend Damien Mori is believed to be considering an offer to coach a Canberra based A-League franchise in the 2010/11 season.

Mori, who is the Socceroos all time top goal scorer with 29 goals from 45 appearances, has made no secret of his desire to enter the A-League coaching arena since retiring from the competition in 2007.

With a season of experience in a player/assistant coaching role at Perth Glory in the 2005/06 season, and a successful spell as head coach of home town club Adelaide City under his belt, Mori is seen as a suitable candidate to step into an A-League head coaching position.

A spokesperson for Mori said “We can confirm Damien has been approached with an offer from representatives of a Canberra A-League bid,

“At this stage Damien is considering his options and giving serious thought to his future and the offer which has been put forward”.

The news has renewed speculation that Canberra’s A-League bid lead by Ivan Slavic is set to be announced as a full A-League licensed franchise for the 2010/11 season at next week’s FFA board meeting.

With many pundits speculating that a Western-Sydney franchise is a certainty for next season, it could well be that the FFA will nominate for a thirteen team competition beyond the current season.

Uncertainty also continues to surround the future of New Zealand club Wellington Phoenix with Asian Confederation President Mohamad bin Hammam on record as saying that beyond the existing five year contract, the club will not be accepted in the A-League. Should they be unable to continue, it is believed Canberra has been flagged as a possible replacement for the competition.

MinsterMan wrote:Not sure I like the sound of this.

Social_Loafer wrote:Hmm I was out at the casino on Saturday night and ran into a mate who has been involved with the A-League bid..

He mentioned to me that we were after an "NSL Legend" to coach the side.. I didn't think much of it at the time..

This would be a massive risk and a bit of a let down IMO, especially when you consider that some overseas coaches have expressed interest in us.. The A-League is now on the international spotlight..

Melbourne’s new A-League team is believed to have reached agreement with an experienced Dutch coach to take charge for its inaugural season. The club, using the working title of Melbourne Heart, will join the competition in 2010, and is determined to hit the ground running in what’s likely to become a titanic rivalry with its Swan Street co-tenants, Melbourne Victory. Contrary to some reports, the inaugural coach won’t be Ruud Gullit but another Dutchman with lengthy experience in the Dutch league.

MinsterMan wrote:

Mori Tapped for Canberra Coaching Gig

NSL and A-League legend Damien Mori is believed to be considering an offer to coach a Canberra based A-League franchise in the 2010/11 season.

Mori, who is the Socceroos all time top goal scorer with 29 goals from 45 appearances, has made no secret of his desire to enter the A-League coaching arena since retiring from the competition in 2007.

With a season of experience in a player/assistant coaching role at Perth Glory in the 2005/06 season, and a successful spell as head coach of home town club Adelaide City under his belt, Mori is seen as a suitable candidate to step into an A-League head coaching position.

A spokesperson for Mori said “We can confirm Damien has been approached with an offer from representatives of a Canberra A-League bid,

“At this stage Damien is considering his options and giving serious thought to his future and the offer which has been put forward”.

The news has renewed speculation that Canberra’s A-League bid lead by Ivan Slavic is set to be announced as a full A-League licensed franchise for the 2010/11 season at next week’s FFA board meeting.

With many pundits speculating that a Western-Sydney franchise is a certainty for next season, it could well be that the FFA will nominate for a thirteen team competition beyond the current season.

Uncertainty also continues to surround the future of New Zealand club Wellington Phoenix with Asian Confederation President Mohamad bin Hammam on record as saying that beyond the existing five year contract, the club will not be accepted in the A-League. Should they be unable to continue, it is believed Canberra has been flagged as a possible replacement for the competition.

aleague4canberra wrote:i don't like the fact that mori might be our caoch, would've much more liked an experienced coach so he can attract players from pervious clubs.

however i love the fact that slavich has gone public with this to show the FFA we're thinking beyond just getting the license already.

Pittodrie Boy wrote:I think it is immaterial at this stage whether it is Mori or not. The main thing is either that the FFA are ready to give us a licence, or Mr Slavich is gently applying a blowtorch to the FFA's genitals by going public on a coaching offer to Mori, thus showing that we are ready to go.

Alex351 wrote:I'm not sure sure whether the ffa told us to get a coach or whether Mr Slavich is just putting pressure on the ffa.
Both are good but i would hope/prefer if the ffa told us to get a coach because that would mean our bid's ready. I think we should have serious thoughts about players for our team to put even more pressure on the ffa.

aleague4canberra wrote:from the same guy though.

i don't think that we should be making the decision to take him on so soon, i mean you don't know which coaches may express interest once we get accepted.