THE EX-NORTHERN Ireland footballer Jim Magilton has been confirmed as the new boss of A-League side Melbourne Victory.
The former Shamrock Rovers assistant manager recently lost out to his former colleague Michael O’Neill for the position of Northern Ireland coach.
Magilton will take the job until the end of the season, after receiving a phone call on Thursday inquiring about his availability.
Speaking to reporters, Magiilton recalled:
“It all happened pretty quickly.
“I got a phone call, the opportunity arose and I snapped it up.
“I am sitting here because the season thus far has not been as productive as we would all have hoped, but that is not to say that the second half of the season can’t be great.”
Highlighting his qualities, he added:
“I am fearless, I am meticulous, I am astute, I am very much hands-on and I like to get amongst the players and be involved in the training aspect of the set-up. And I am a pretty amiable guy.”
Magilton was initially turned down for the job at the beginning of the season, however the failure of previous coach Mehmet Durakovic prompted the board into making a u-turn on their original decision.