While Daniel Farke may fail in his bid to deliver promotion for Leeds United this season, another that left Elland Road in 2022 is on the verge of completing a sensational treble.
Mark Jackson, 46, left Leeds in 2022 after being promoted to the first-team coaching staff under Jesse Marsch. He had impressed as the club’s U21 manager prior and chose to chance his arm at MK Dons.
But it did not go great for Jackson at MK Dons, winning just six games of 25. He was sacked only six months into his first job at the end of the 2022-23, his managerial career all but over before it started.
However, Jackson got a break with a surprise move to Australia to manager Central Coast Mariners. One of the biggest sides in Australian football but in need of some better guidance to get back to the level.
But none will have predicted just how good Jackson has performed, especially after losing his first four matches. He watched his side beat Adelaide 2-0 on Wednesday, to win the A-League Premier’s title.
Jackson is on course to win all three bits of silverware in his first season:
Mark Jackson on course to win treble after Leeds United exit
The first of a possible three trophies as Jackson watched his side win the normal home and away season in Australia for the first time in 12 years. Next up, they face Lebanese side Al-Ahed in the AFC Cup.
Then, Jackson’s side go into the A-League semi-finals for the Final Series. A treble that has never been done before by an Australian side with their opponents in the last four yet to be decided next weekend.
It is an incredible achievement from a manager who was well-liked at Elland Road. He has watched his side win 25 of 40 games in charge with former Leeds man Ryan Edmondson scoring five goals in 18.
Matt Kilgallon and Adam Forshaw praise Jackson on Instagram
Jackson’s work down under is not going unnoticed by those of a Leeds persuasion back home. There is no doubt that Jackson has worked a miracle in Australia and reinvented his career as a manager.
Adam Forshaw, Matt Kilgallon and Ben Parker all responded on Instagram after hearing of the news that Jackson had secured the first of three potential trophies on Wednesday after securing the Premier’s.
