Melbourne City Coach Van't Schip Quits

Zeeshan Mehtab Published January 03, 2017 | 10:35 AM

SYDNEY, Jan 3 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 03rd Jan, 2017 ) - Melbourne City's A-League campaign was dealt a major blow Tuesday with the resignation of their coach John van't Schip. The Dutchman, 53, said it was a tough call but he needed to go back to the Netherlands to help his ailing father, who is in palliative care.

"I have been faced with a choice between my family in Holland and my work here in Australia and there was only one right decision," the former Ajax player said. "I am part of a strong coaching team that has been carefully nurtured over the last three years and that gives me great confidence that this situation will not adversely affect the club's progress.

" Assistant coach Michael Valkanis was appointed interim coach while the club, fourth on the A-League table, looks for a replacement.

Melbourne City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said he supported van't Schip's decision. "He has our ongoing gratitude and support as his focus rightly turns to his family," he said.