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Darby, assistant national coach to former Manchester United and England legend Bryan Robson, is a former NSL and AIS coach who spent a number of years working in Asia and England.

In recent years Darby dealt with Cole when Victory signed Thai players Sutee Suksomkit and Surat Sukha and was pleased to be dealing with real football people.

“I am not a believer in this mythology that you can be an outsider and administrate the game,” Darby told au.fourfourtwo.com from Bangkok.

"There are enough educated, articulate ex-soccer players who would be an asset to the administrative aspect of the game.

“They would have the 'feel' of the people they are working with and for.

“I think it’s a tragedy that a ‘football person’ such as Coley is out of the game, but I'm certain it won't be for long."

It was reported that Cole was axed in order to help rein in escalating costs at the two-time A-League champions. It is also understood he is not happy with the manner of his sacking and is consulting lawyers.

Victory coach Ernie Merrick was sacked last month, and late yesterday afternoon assistant coach Aaron Healey was also axed  when he was told his post was now redundant shortly after the club confirmed Cole's dismissal.

Darby, who also works as football pundit across Asia, came out in support of Merrick saying his axing was another loss to the game.

He added: “In recent times I’d worked with Cole and Ernie Merrick on the international release of Thai players and all the dealings with these people were professional and dealt with in a 'football-sense' manner.

“Maybe the FFA will take Cole on?”

In other news, the AFF is reportedly preparing to table a bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, according to the Foreign Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore.

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