Former Blues boss and skipper Jim Magilton has parted company with Australian A-League side Melbourne Victory. The Northern Irishman took on the job of interim coach in January but after winning twice, drawing five and losing five his side finished eighth in the table, well away from the play-offs.

The 42-year-old is understood to have been keen to extend his spell with Melbourne but after being informed that other candidates were also on the short-list for the role longer term he decided to move on.

Magilton said: “On behalf of [assistant] Chris [O’Loughlin] and myself, I’d like to thank everyone at Melbourne Victory for the opportunity that was presented to us.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and wish the club every success in the future.”

Victory managing director Richard Wilson added: “Jim arrived at the shortest of notice, on a leap of faith, stepping into a role that he had limited background on.

“We realise that we didn’t ultimately reach the finals this season, which was our goal, but we also believe Jim was unlucky not to have finished with a better record, given we conceded goals in the dying stages of games against Sydney and Gold Coast.

“He was a total professional throughout the three months he was here. His preparation week-to-week was exceptional, his team selection saw the integration of several youngsters and was always in the best interests of the club.

“He also re-shaped a number of processes in the football department with the support of his assistant Chris O’Loughlin, who he brought with him, which will hold us in very good stead as we take our next steps forward.

“In summary, he left no stone unturned, tackled every issue head-on and he will only be remembered in a positive way from everyone involved in Melbourne Victory. We certainly wish Jim and Chris well in their future coaching endeavours.”

Photo: Action Images

alfromcol added 20:41 - Apr 1 Just like Jordan Rhodes, Jim is history. ITFC onward and upward with PJ this is the future.
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Taricco_Fan added 20:41 - Apr 1 "....his side finished eighth in the table...." In a ten team league.
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Bangor31 added 21:12 - Apr 1 @WestNorfolk_Blue he spent more than 10mil in 2 seasons, PJ hasn't hit that yet what 3 mil for chops and JET together sonko free, bowyer free, cresswell less than a mil, drury 150k. i might have missed some and got figures wrong but i'm pretty sure it is way less than 10 mil. i mean come on JM has everything at his disposal and couldn't create a better team than royal with zero money

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Tractastic added 21:45 - Apr 1 Unfortunately not all great players make good managers. Good luck Jim you are a legend.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 21:50 - Apr 1 Jim was a fantastic player for us, but unfortunately so far hasn,t been up to it as a manager. The jury is still out, though i wish him well.
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michaeldownunder added 02:10 - Apr 2 He was only ever going to stay to end of season Melbourne was a no win job for him and the press over here never had a good word for him. CBS football show from the start moaned about him, he came to a very poor side with one good player Harry Kewell. This was his and the teams big problem, when I saw Harry play v Brisbane he scored two goals but still played a poor game. I know it's a strange thing to say, but he played wide midfield, never tracked back and for most of the game he just walked around, made JET look like a non stop all action type player. They took him off with 20 min to go by this time he might as well have taken a chair on the pitch for all the movement he was making. That's what he had to put up with over here. I think Ipswich was his big chance as a manager but ME wanted to raise the profile of the team, and he did, by bringing in RK.

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DiamondGezzer added 08:22 - Apr 2 I think Jim was doing better before given money to spend.As a captain, leader and player for us he was great and don't get me started on that hat-trick, superb. Hope one day he cracks it as a manager, because I still believe he has the right footballing credentials to build on.
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bobble added 12:57 - Apr 2 himself and kewel are finding the A league a lot harder than they realised, it might not be well organised or financed but it is a higher standard than the championship.
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simonsays added 13:35 - Apr 2 Did he assault someone in the dressing room?
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soclopath added 22:43 - Apr 2 Good luck for the future Jim,just remember should you have doubts just remember Paul Ince keeps getting jobs!!!
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singingtheblues added 00:09 - Apr 3 agree with garethch - certain sections of the media (eg craig foster - who's a complete dill & only ever reached the dizzy heights of playing for palace yet somehow gets a spot on tv every week as an 'expert') - hounded him out - they hate british managers - like the aussie managers have done any better? - magic was on a loser from the start - he was only taken on until the end of the season & wasn't able to sign anyone new - ultimately though, it's a results based business & he didn't get the results!

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