Due to the huge amount of phone calls, SMS and emails that Simo and I have gotten since last night I thought I should respond.
No Simo hasn't agreed to join the Downs. Have they and other clubs approached him? Probably. Lets be honest, if you were a smart club, you would approach him. Over the last 5 years, no club except for Adelaide Villa would have a better win/loss record. He is well respected, well liked and knows quite a few players. He is always been sounded out by Federation Clubs and other SAASL Clubs for the last 5 years.
He and I have briefly spoken about next year but we will do what we always do, wait till the end of the season and they decide where we go. The club has areas it needs to improve in and we need to be able to offer Paul the things he wants/needs. We also need to think about the fact that one day Simo won't be our coach and when is that time is, both he and the club will part ways. Knowing Paul, he's probably waiting for the England or Arsenal job to be come available. The one thing I would say about Simo is that he is very loyal and does far more behind the scenes than any other coach would. We have a great working relationship and whilst some players and myself don't always agree on everything, we allow each other do to do what we are there to do. Simo is a good friend of mine and I trust him not to have made any decisions until a time comes when we are able to put forward our case for next year. I should have the $20K finance ready by then for his wage which should allow the other $80K for player payments
We will of course do everything we can to keep him and then he is free to make his own decision. Next year would be his 10th year of coaching the club, he's on the committee and his whole family is involved. He has many very good friends at the Farm and that is more important to him than any money that any other club can throw at him. He's proven that too us many times over the years.
Personally, I think he may consider other offers but in the end will stay for at least one more year. The club's moving in the right direction and we still feel we are on the cusp of many great things both on and off the park. Simo's had a big part to play in that and he'd hate to miss the fruits of all the hard work.
As for Robbo, when will you stop believing everything thats on the net.