Zajec in charge

Last updated : 21 December 2004 By Keith Allman
Happy Families
After a record of five games, two wins, two draws and only one defeat (plus the minor event of a 3-0 defeat to Watford in the League Cup, but we'll ignore that), it only seems right Velimir should be given a chance. The players love him. Dejan especially loves him. Milan loves him. What's more, I love him. Ever since Strachan turned down the job, there's only been one candidate. Meanwhile, Joe Jordan will stay on as head coach. Zajec has been given a three year contract at the club, although the "word on the street" is that he'll only stay as numero uno until the summer, at which point he'll move back upstairs for the reason he was brought in and we'll target another gaffer.

At a press conference at Fratton Park, Milan explained the reasoning behind his decision. "They [Zajec and Jordan] took over during the commotions and demonstrated a tremendous patnership and togetherness. Velimir brings tremendous knowledge of football, he understands the players, he's been there and managed, coached and played and we're very lucky to have this kind of manager on board."

Meanwhile, Zajec himself spoke in public - hard as it is to believe - about his appointment. "Because of the situation - we are in the middle of the championship - we can't change too many things. I accepted this, it's not a new job, we just continue like the last one and a half months.We have a good squad, good players, good character of players who have shown they can play with discipline. First of all we need to take the club and make sure we are not going out of the Premiership. That one step is very important for us."

What does worry me a bit is that everyone involved is a bit vague on how long the new "dream team" will stay at the reigns for; Velimir himself could only suggest that, "we'll see how long it will go". This could cause us trouble in the January transfer window - after all, when players are looking at clubs to move to, they won't be keen on coming to a club where the guy who signs them may only take charge for another six months before being shipped back upstairs. Even so, good luck to Velimir - although the way he's got the team going at the moment, he won't need it.

Just a shame that "Velimir Zajec's blue and white army" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue...