After Wednesday’s loss to the Mariners I wasn’t looking forward to previewing today’s game but for the first time this season we head into a match with a fresh outlook. The sacking of Mehmet Durakovic yesterday means that the rut has ended. Sure, its still going to take a lot of work for our fortunes to change but we’ve finally broken free of the cycle. It was clear that Durakovic had worked us into a situation that he was incapable of getting us out of, so now at least we have a chance to restore some pride.

I woke up to the news this morning that Irishman Jim Magilton is all but confirmed for the interim coaching job and is set to be unveiled at AAMI Park tonight. I can honestly say that I didn’t know who he was so I can’t offer much insight but looking at his record its an interesting appointment. He’s managed Ipswich Town and QPR in the past with minimal success before joining Shamrock Rovers last July in a caretaker role.

Jim Magilton set to take charge

I’m not sure what to think of him at this stage but like any new coach he deserves a chance to prove himself so I will withhold my judgement for now. Its understood that Magilton has been offered a contract until the end of the current season while the board search for a permanent Durakovic replacement so lets just see how he goes. Coming all the way to Australia for an interim job shows that he’s taking the position seriously and will be out to prove himself. His main goal will be to make the Finals. If he can do that then I think he could be in with a shot at getting a contract extension, but lets not get ahead of ourselves here – we have a game to win tonight first.

As the tradition goes teams that sack their manager always win their next game so we’ve got the football gods on our side tonight as Kevin Muscat takes the reigns as caretaker. There are a few team changes as well ahead of the clash with the Jets. Adrian Leijer makes a return from injury plus Celeski, Solorzano, Jeggo, Pondeljak and Kemp are all included in an extended squad. Its hard to say how we’ll line up or what kind of influence Muscat will have on the team but lets hope the players can put in a positive performance and take the three points against Newcastle. I hate Newcastle.

Kick off is 7:45pm. Enjoy the game and I’ll talk to you all tomorrow.

What do you think of Jim Magilton being appointed interim coach? Vote in the poll and leave your comments below.