Melbourne Victory confirmed today that Northern Irishman Jim Magilton has been appointed the Club’s interim coach, signing a contract for the remainder of the 2011/12 A-League season. Magilton was an experienced player having represented his country 52 times and played for a number of clubs including Southampton and Ipswich Town. In 2006 he moved into management with Ipswich and also had a stint at Queens Park Rangers.

The Victory sacked Mehmet Durakovic on Friday but had already contacted Magilton mid-week. Having been on the Club’s initial shortlist last year, when they came calling again he jumped at the opportunity. Although it all happened rather quickly Magilton says he’s already impressed with what he has seen so far and is looking forward to getting down to work:

The facilities here are amazing and some of the best I’ve seen, but all of that means nothing if you don’t put the results on the board and win games of football.

I know Melbourne Victory is a big club and they’ve had great success in the past, so I’m really keen to try and help them turn around their campaign over the next 4 months. 

Given Melbourne Victory’s poor start to the season he has a huge task ahead of him. Magilton will take charge of the team from Sunday and his first challenge will be facing Adelaide United on Friday.