Soccer: Decision on coach hangs over Kingz

Even the mathematical hopes are almost certainly gone for the Football Kingz and they must have turned their attention to next season. Or have they?

Chief executive Chris Turner seems more pre-occupied with Soccer Australia hearings involving Che Bunce and Con Boustianis than such mundane matters as appointing a coach.

Turner continues to say the coaching issue will be addressed sooner rather than later but without ever putting a time on such a decision.

Incumbent coach Kevin Fallon, who left for Sydney yesterday for tonight's game against Northern Spirit, is frustrated at the delay in addressing what he sees as perhaps the most crucial issue in the club's future.

"We might as well know the good or bad news as soon as possible," he said. "Give us the news so we, as coaches and players, can get on with it.

"Officially, I can't do anything about talking to players but obviously things are happening.

"I have had someone in Australia approach me to say he has a list of players who would like to come here, but until the club appoints their coach, nothing can be done."

It is understood Fallon has already looked as far afield as England in his search for players if he is appointed for the new season.

Mark Burton passed a fitness test yesterday and joined the team in place of Craig Wylie.

Goalkeeper Scott Bishop was unable to get time off work, and the Kingz have travelled without a spare goalkeeper.

Levent Osman and Hiroshi Miyazawa have joined the side.

Squad: Michael Theoklitos, Jonathan Perry, Robbie Hooker, John Markovski, Sean Douglas, George Goutzioulis, Harry Ngata, Chris Jackson (capt), Jeff Campbell, Andy Vlahos, Campbell Banks, Paul Urlovic, Levent Osman, Mark Burton, Hiroshi Miyazawa.

Kick-off: 9.30pm (New Zealand time).