Jim Magilton says he is not yet Melbourne Victory's full-time A-League coach, but he is speaking and spending as if he is.
Magilton has made his first signing for next season - Gold Coast wing-back Adama Traore - and admits he is making recommendations about the club's off-season retentions and transfer targets.
But the Victory are yet to officially confirm Magilton as full-time coach, though it is expected to be a done deal within a fortnight.
Already he is talking like a man on a promise - wanting the Victory to be in the running for any good available players.
And after 10 games for just one win, Magilton appears to have uncovered the coach-killers and they can expect to be shown the door by the Northern Irishman at season's end.
"That will be spoken about in the next couple of weeks," Magilton said of his vision for the club beyond its final two matches this season.
"It's the law of the jungle. Any club that wants to remain successful, there has to be an underbelly of ability or talent or quality coming through.
"It's an ongoing project. Each week they find out a bit about me and I find out more about them.
"Results dictate that you may have to make changes.
"We've reached the point where we have to bring in players to make us competitive again."
Traore, whose signing would appear to signal the departure of Brazilian Fabio and Socceroo Matthew Kemp, has agreed a two-year deal.
The 22-year-old Ivory Coast player was top of Magilton's hit-list after proving himself one of the competition's best left backs in his three seasons at Gold Coast.
"He was a recommendation, I spoke to him, and the board have ratified the deal which is great, because I think he's a great player," Magilton said.
"When a player becomes available, I think it's important Melbourne Victory are in the hunt."
Traore, who played 67 matches and scored three goals for United, was delighted to move from the side who are unlikely to remain in the competition beyond the end of the current season..
"I'm excited to be moving to Melbourne Victory and look forward to taking the next step in my football career," Traore said.
"I'm very grateful to everyone at Gold Coast United and have made some good friends through some tough times, but I felt this opportunity was the right move for me."
The Victory are understood to be one of a number of clubs chasing teenage Gold Coast forward Ben Halloran, with Brisbane Roar the front-runners.
Halloran, one of few Gold Coast players contracted for next season, may become a free agent if United do not remain in the competition.
The Victory cannot make the finals, but will be looking to at least finish their disappointing season with a flourish in their last home match against finals-bound Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The Phoenix need just a draw to ensure a home final.
AAP
Tags: a-league, soccer, sport, robina-4226, melbourne-3000 First posted March 15, 2012 12:35:33