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Mark Jackson has praised the support of assistant Danny Schofield, who is set to miss the Central Coast grand final after being sent off and then giving the middle finger to TV cameras in the Mariners’ semi-final win at Sydney FC.
Schofield received two yellow cards on Saturday for protesting against decisions by referee Alireza Faghani during a fiercely contested match in Gosford.
The Englishman was warned by Faghani to return to the Mariners bench after receiving his first yellow card.
But after taking his seat for a split second, Schofield stood up again, prompting Faghani to issue a second yellow card.
Danny Schofield received two yellow cards within ten seconds because he protested against decisions by referee Alireza Faghani on Saturday evening
As Schofield was led away by security, the former Huddersfield Town manager made a lewd gesture straight down the barrel of a broadcast camera.
His actions are likely to keep him from being on the sidelines for next Saturday’s grand final with Melbourne Victory, but Jackson said he would retain a crucial role.
‘What should I say to Danny? “Thank you for being by my side through this journey,” Jackson said.
“I thank him every day, he is a big part of what we do at this football club.
‘He is an extremely talented coach. He understands the game and what we do and I am privileged to have him by my side.”
Immediately after his sending-off, Schofield began tightening up the vision to prepare the Mariners for their meeting with Tony Popovic’s Victory side.
With or without his right hand in Schofield, Jackson has the chance to complete a remarkable treble at the Industree Group Stadium next Saturday.
The former Huddersfield Town manager made a lewd gesture straight down the barrel of a broadcast camera as he was led away
The Central Coast Mariners booked a place in the grand final after edging past Sydney FC
The Mariners are likely to sell out the match and after completing an AFC Cup and ALM premiership, a win over Victory would secure their third piece of silverware in a month.
‘It is a special place to be together with everyone and sing from the same hymn sheet about what we want to achieve.
‘I’m so proud of the club, we have one more game to go.
“We have managed to secure a major final home stadium for the first time and I am really proud of it.”