To see Melbourne Victory training...

 

Merrick is reported to be on the verge of exiting Victory after six seasons in charge following a poor finals run - going out in the first knockout round - and then the humiliating 5-1 defeat against Gamba Osaka in the opening game of their Asian Champions League campaign.

Speculation about Merrick's future circulated at the A-League Awards on Sunday night with rumours suggesting Victory wanted to replace the Scot with Roar coach Ange Postecoglou.

The whispering campaign became public overnight when radio reports in Perth claimed Merrick's fate was sealed at a board meeting yesterday and would be confirmed today.

This morning however the club dismissed the gossip and claimed it was business as usual with Merrick holding training as normal.

A tweet fromn the club earlier today said bluntly: "Ernie Merrick seen coaching Melbourne Victory squad this morning at Olympic Park....#neverletthetruthgetinthewayofagood(incorrect)story."

However the timing could not be worse for Roar, potentially unsettling players and staff on the eve of Sunday's grand final showdown against Central Coast Mariners.

The speculation about Postecoglou's future role at Roar comes as the FFA prepare to re-take ownership of the club immediately after the grand final.

Meanwhile though Victory did confirm Rojas's would be joining the club on April 1 after a breakthrough season with Wellington Phoenix saw him light up the A-League.

The 19 year-old made 21 appearances for Phoenix over the past two seasons and was recently named in the All-White’s squad for their upcoming friendlies with Japan and China.

Melbourne Victory Football Operations Manager Gary Cole said: “Signing a young player of Marco’s quality is a great endorsement for our club.

"The mix of youth and experience at Melbourne Victory, along with our world-class facilities, really appealed to him.

“He had a fantastic season for Wellington, and as a result was rewarded with a call-up to the New Zealand team for their two internationals later this month.”

Rojas joins Tando Velaphi and Isaka Cernak as another exciting young signing made by the club over recent months.

The new recruit - who was discovered by Phoenix's Yellow Fever fans who then paid for him to go on a scholarship trial with the club - is eagerly anticipating his move across the Tasman.

He added: “While it was a big decision for me, I’m really looking forward to the opportunities that will be presented at Melbourne Victory and I hope I can contribute to further success for the club.”

To see Melbourne Victory training...