Soccer: Club boss stands by coach despite loss

Knights chairman Anthony Lee has thrown his support behind manager Paul Nevin, despite the fact the club are now on an eight-game losing streak.

As Newcastle have already shown Nick Theodorokopoulos the door this season and Sydney's Terry Butcher reportedly clinging onto his job (speculation suggests he could be sacked if they don't beat Perth today), Nevin looms as another manager under pressure.

"We are backing him," Lee declared. "If you look at Paul's qualities and qualifications there's not a better coach in New Zealand."

When asked if Nevin was safe for the season, Lee said "yes" before adding: "Nothing is written in stone and Paul is feeling the pressure. He knows it's a big job. I can't guarantee anything but, at this stage, we are backing Paul."

The Knights have a history of supporting their manager even when results have been less than impressive. They backed John Adshead despite a dreadful run of results and players criticising him in public. Adshead resigned only after pressure was exerted on him in the off-season.

Nevin's side is still three short of the 11-game losing streak posted in the middle of last season, but the dwindling number of fans will take little solace from that.

"I don't feel under any more pressure than when I walked in the door," Nevin said. "But things have changed and we're not where we want to be.

"People will question my ability but I know the level I work out. Anyone else in my circumstance might have lost the faith of the players but I feel we do a good job. I think the respect is there. I don't think I would change anything and I will keep going as I am because I'm confident I'm doing the right things."

The arrival of Barry Simmonds next week as director of football will take some pressure off Nevin but Simmonds admits it will take some time for him to find his feet.

He coached Nelson United in the 1986 national league and also had the reins at Onehunga before he returned to the UK in 1990.

Since then he's coached Barnet, but more latterly has been head scout at Crystal Palace, scout at Cardiff City and director of scouting at Bolton. He also recommended players to the Knights last season.

"I'm coming with a lot of enthusiasm and hopefully a lot of knowledge that the club can tap into," Simmonds said from the UK. "I think I have a good database of players and a good contact book to satisfy what the club's needs are for the A-League.

"The Knights is a new challenge for me and a new role, but I think that it is a natural development in my career."

Lee said All Whites coach Ricki Herbert, who had been linked to the position of director of football since Adshead's departure in April, wasn't considered. "This is a fulltime position, not an advisory position."

Simmonds and Nevin will get to work trying to find two strikers and a versatile defender when the transfer window opens on November 1 to replace Dani Rodrigues, Matt Carbon and Frank van Eijs. Campbell Banks and Hamza Mohammed are unlikely to be offered fulltime deals.