Magilton unsure of future

Melbourne Victory boss Jim Magilton says he is unsure whether he deserves to be kept on as coach of the A-League side.

In an expansive press conference on Thursday, Magilton adamantly denied accusations some of his decisions had put members of his squad offside.

He also acknowledged a scathing newspaper column that said his record of just one win from 10 games in charge was no reason for the Victory’s board to re-sign the Northern Irishman.

The column went on to say Magilton’s handling of Tom Pondeljak’s exit from the club – where the veteran was reportedly asked to finish up six weeks ago so Victory could sign youngster Julius Davies – had led to the coach losing the support of his players.

However, Magilton was standing firm.

“No I don’t,” Magilton declared when asked specifically if he had lost support at that point in time.

“I think that if you’re going to move forward, things have to be said and whether it’s done publically or privately, it’s down to the discretion of the manager.”

“The players here have been fabulous, there is no issue with the players,” he added.

“Their application and attitude in training every week, every day, has been great.”

Magilton said he had not asked Pondeljak not to train with the club.

“I made the call (on Pondeljak’s future), yes, and again it was with great respect to Tommy.”

“Tommy had struggled with injury and we had a conversation. I wanted to give him an opportunity if he wanted to continue playing to go and find another side.”

Magilton said discussions over his future at Victory were ongoing but added he was not the best person to answer questions over whether he deserved to stay on after an unflattering series of results since he took over from Mehmet Durakovic.

“With regards to results, no one’s more disappointed than I am. I believe my credentials have been questioned across the board,” he said.

“My CV is what it is. I know I work extremely hard at attaining everything I can do to be a better manager, better coach, pro-licence coach. I’ve taken a number of years to get to that level, I’m always learning, I want to learn, I want to improve.”