Players Pole-Axed By Cole Axe

Cole ended a tenure stretching back to Victory's inception when he officially left the club late on Monday.

The former Socceroos striker follows Ernie Merrick out the door after the foundation coach was sacked last month.

Broxham revealed on Tuesday that Cole had met with the playing group before his sudden exit.

"He came in yesterday, shook everyone's hand and said that was it for him," Broxham said.

"We weren't really expecting it – it's not really our place to speak about I suppose. It's a club decision. Good luck to Gaz for whatever he goes onto do now."

An abrupt statement from the club this afternoon confirmed the veteran staff member's exit but offered no explanations.

"Melbourne Victory Football Club wishes to advise that Gary Cole is no longer employed as its Football Operations Manager," said the statement.

"Gary had been at the club since 2005 and played a significant role in helping Melbourne Victory to two Hyundai A-League Premiership/Championship doubles.

"The club would like to thank Gary for his six years of service and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

"There will be no further comment at this point."

As far as Broxham is concerned, the off-field issues won't detract from the Victory's AFC Champions League campaign that continues against Tianjin Teda at Etihad Stadium on April 20.

Victory's 1-1 draw against the Chinese powerhouses in Tianjin not only kept their slim hopes of progressing to the next stage alive, but according to Broxham injected some belief in the playing group.

"We take a lot of confidence from the performance we put in away from home," Broxham said.

"We worked physically and tactically for two to three weeks and it showed in the game. The second-half especially and I don't think they expected it from us."

"It's pretty much do or die at the moment, the next two games at home are important for us."

Broxham revealed interim coach Mehmet Durakovic had made an impact on the brand of football played by Victory and believes the knowledge gleaned from playing Tianjin Teda in China would serve the club well at home.

"Mehm had us for two or three weeks and had the chance to work on some things he wanted to work on," Broxham said.

"The first game he had a couple of days to implement what he wanted. That was always going to be tough. But the way we finished off the game (in China) everyone seemed quite fit and sharp."

"We know a bit more about them now, they'll know the same, but it's only positive going into the next game."