Three Hyundai A-League coaches have been nominated for the February Coach of the Month award.
Wellington Phoenix boss Ufuk Talay, Brisbane Roar chief Robbie Fowler and interim coach Jean-Paul de Marigny of Western Sydney Wanderers are the selected coaches in the running.
You can have your say and vote for who you think should take out the prize for February by voting in the poll below – but before that, read on for a profile of the coaches.
OCTOBER WINNER: Markus Babbel (Western Sydney Wanderers)
NOVEMBER WINNER: Ernie Merrick (Newcastle Jets)
DECEMBER WINNER: Ufuk Talay (Wellington Phoenix)
JANUARY WINNER: Robbie Fowler (Brisbane Roar)
VOTE: Hyundai A-League Player of the Month – February
Ufuk Talay – Wellington Phoenix
Wellington Phoenix continue to rise under Ufuk Talay’s charge.
February began with a 4-2 defeat to Perth Glory, a match in which the Phoenix battled back to 3-2 with 10 players following Tim Payne’s dismissal and nearly stole a draw before Bruno Fornaroli’s 90th-minute clincher.
They bounced back with a 1-0 win over Finals Series rivals Melbourne City on February 15, a crucial three points for Phoenix that keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top two finish.
Those aspirations were emboldened further when Talay’s side cruised past Western United 2-0 on February 21, a complete performance from the Phoenix despite the slender margin of victory.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6134539131001
Robbie Fowler – Brisbane Roar
Brisbane Roar finished the month inside the top six thanks to their continued improvement under Robbie Fowler.
The Premier League legend oversaw a 2-1 win over Adelaide United on February 8, before taking a vital 1-0 triumph away to top six rivals Western United on February 16.
A 1-1 draw with reigning Premiers Perth Glory on February 22 demonstrated that Brisbane’s credentials to be a Finals Series threat, should they nail down their position, is growing by the week.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6134907649001
Jean-Paul de Marigny – Western Sydney Wanderers
Three wins and a draw represent clear progress for the Wanderers under their interim head coach.
Following Markus Babbel’s sacking, de Marigny produced an instant result on February 2 with a 3-1 win over Central Coast Mariners.
A 1-1 stalemate with Newcastle Jets left a lot to be desired on February 15 but with a 5-2 win over Adelaide United on February 21, de Marigny was able to instigate the best attacking performance of the campaign from the Wanderers.
The 1-0 Sydney Derby triumph against runaway leaders and bitter rivals Sydney FC showed their grit and determination on February 28, as de Marigny masterminded a memorable win for Red and Black fans on enemy territory.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6134563486001
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