Robinson reprieve: Lederer backs under-fire Wanderers coach

Carl Robinson will be given another season to turn around Western Sydney Wanderers’ faltering fortunes, with chairman Paul Lederer publicly backing the under-pressure Welshman.

Carl Robinson

WSW coach Carl Robinson Source: Getty Images

Head-hunted by Wanderers in October, the ex-Newcastle Jets boss failed to deliver a finals spot, despite bringing in a raft of high profile signings.

But Lederer is prepared to give Robinson, 44, more time, though his ongoing support fell short of a ringing endorsement after the Red and Black missed the top six for a fifth successive year.

Unable to hide his frustration over unfulfilled expectations, the billionaire businessman told The World Game: “There’s no argument there, we’re very disappointed. It’s really been extremely disappointing.

“But there won’t be a change of coach, we’re sticking with the manager.

“I don’t want to go into great detail about the season ... everybody has an opinion.

“But we didn’t perform to our ability - that was the main issue.”
Wanderers managed only a solitary win in their last five games to finish four points outside the six, despite Robinson unfurling the likes of James Troisi, Bernie Ibini, Graham Dorrans, Jordon Mutch, Mitchell Duke, Scott McDonald and Steven Ugarkovic in the eight months since his acrimonious exit from the Hunter.

Ironically, Wanderers’ most effective performer was attacker Bruce Kamau, who was already on the books when Robinson arrived.

Kamau finished top scorer with nine goals in 23 appearances and was unfortunate to miss out on a Socceroos call-up.

Lederer sees slithers of sunlight amid the pervading gloom.

“We have a lot of young players and the nucleus of a very good squad,” he added.

“We’re still very positive - I always am - and we’ll see (what the future holds).

“We’ll go into next season with full enthusiasm.”


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2 min read
Published 10 June 2021 11:37am
By Dave Lewis
Source: SBS The World Game

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