Pierre Gone, What Next?

Now that Pierre Littbarski has officially rejected Sydney FC's offer of a new contract, several important questions face the champions. Who will be called in to replace him? What will happen with assistant Ian Crook? Will Dwight Yorke stay on for another year or be offloaded? In relation to the handling of these matters, what is the likelihood of David Carney signing a new contract?

The potential answers are far from obvious, with complications stacked upon complications indicating that it could be some time before all of these issues are resolved.

Regarding the new head coach, speculated appointments include Lawrie McKinna, Terry Butcher, Frank Farina, John Kosmina and a host of other out-of-work candidates. McKinna is due to sign a new contract with the Mariners any day now. Current thought is that Butcher might struggle to adapt to the players and the local set-up in time to mount a proper challenge next season. Farina is clearly ready to ask how high if Sydney want him to jump, but fans are likely to react in a negative fashion if he is signed. Kosmina seems content with Adelaide, and it doesn't help that most Sydney supporters cast him in worse light that Farina.

Some deeper options may require exploration. Johan Neeskens seems to be the preferred choice of the fans, but the World Cup is sure to keep him busy until much closer to the start of the season. However, if a successor to Guus Hiddink is found soon, perhaps Neeskens will indeed become available.

Crook takes over as caretaker for the time being, but Littbarski has announced his intention to take the Englishman with him if or when he gets a new job. Taking the head role at Perth is another option for Crook, should matters surrounding the ownership of Glory get sorted out before a decision needs to be made about his future at Sydney.

As for Yorke and Carney, anything seems possible. Either might stay or flee. For the sake of the league and fans everywhere, let's hope they both commit to another season with Sydney. Perhaps only David Zdrilic and Jeremy Brockie may be hoping otherwise!