Wilkins open to A-League coaching gig

Ray Wilkins

Addressing the media after a 2-0 loss to Japan at Melbourne's AAMI Park on Tuesday, Wilkins admitted his chances of earning a contract extension will be hampered by his poor record at the helm of Jordan's national team.

Their 5-1 victory over lowly Palestine at the same venue four days earlier has been Wilkins' only victory to date since taking control on a short-term deal in September.

Asked what was next as far as his Jordan future is concerned, the former Chelsea, AC Milan and Manchester United player said: "I've no idea."

Wilkins' rapport with Jordanian Football Association president Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein is believed to have sealed the ex-England international a first head coaching role since his time in charge of Fulham in 1998.

And it looks like that will also be the key factor in determining whether or not Carlo Ancelotti's former Chelsea assistant will remain in the Middle East.

"I would love to stay. I've thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it's been first class. But that's entirely up to Prince Ali Bin Al-Hussein and I will speak with Prince Ali when I arrive back in Jordan.

"Unfortunately my record's not the best. In actual fact it's pretty poor. I don't know whether I'll go down as the worst Jordan coach in history, but I've certainly given it a blast to try and make it work."

Wilkins has earned plenty of admirers during his team's stay in Australia, prompting journalists to ask if coaching an A-League team would be of interest to the 58-year-old.

"It's always very pleasant (being in Australia)," he said.

"But I've got to say, if I was offered to stay in Jordan then I would say in Jordan. But that would be very pleasant. It's always nice to work. No matter where you're working, it's always nice to be involved with young men because I think it keeps you young. Apart from the hairline I feel very young and youthful. And I feel full of energy. I want to work."

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