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Jimmy Mayers
2002-2004
2002 : 14th place Wins 7 Draws 6 losses 11
2003 : 11th place Wins 11 draws 7 Losses 12
2004 : 4th place Wins 17 draws 3 Losses 8
Overall : Wins 35 Draws 16 Losses 31
Overview : Mayers took over the reigns following Joe Kelly's exit at the end of 2001. He led the club through Phoenix's most difficult times through no fault of his own. Phoenix were thrown out of the Soccerdrome in 2001 and moved to Forrest Park for the 2002 season, but were then thrown out at the end of 2002. Basically, each pre season while Mayers was in charge there was uncertainty as to whether Phoenix would survive, and in some cases, where they would be playing. Phoenix lost several experienced players in early 2002 and Mayers' hand was forced in playing young players. Despite the off field issues, under Mayers Phoenix improved their results year on year and by the time of Mayers' departure at the end of 2004, Phoenix had plenty of credibility in the State League playing circles.
Challenges : There were challenges aplenty in Mayers' three year stint at Phoenix. Firstly, the unrest caused in 2001 saw Phoenix relocate to Forrest Park. Several experienced players either left the region or didn't commit to playing in 2002 and onwards. Prior to leaving, Joe Kelly had given a formal recommendation to the then SWRSC regarding how Phoenix should be run in 2002 and beyond. A key point was that the Youth team that had just won the league move up to be a reserves team, and an entire new youth team come in. Unfortunately, this was not heeded and virtually the same youth team from 2001 took the field in 2002. While the youth team won every game bar one, it only succeeded in over inflating the egos of the players there and only one player from that side has played over 10 league matches for Phoenix so there was no long term benefits of it. The Youth coach was domineering and constantly challenged Mayers' selections, with players often playing Youth then starting League as well. At the end of 2002, Phoenix were asked to leave Forrest Park and when pre season training for 2003 commenced, Phoenix were without a home and had fewer than 15 players turning up to training regularly. In 2004, after surviving 2003, Phoenix were again thrown into disarray in the pre season with the then SWRSC pulling the pin on Phoenix with Phoenix again unsure as to their future. Ivan Garic took on the job single handedly for 2004 and with good work off the field, good things happened on the field too, with a best ever finish of 4th. It could have been better with Phoenix losing on the last day to 12th place Kingsway, costing them 3rd spot. Lack of players, and lack of committed players, forced his hand in team selections often.
Successes : After a poor 2002, Phoenix showed improvement year on year under Mayers. Despite all the off field trouble the club endured, Mayers remained focussed and never deviated from his footballing ideas. Left Phoenix with plenty of credibility by the time he departed at the conclusion of 2004. Blooding plenty of youth. Balancing out the team over 3 squads, particularly in 2004, and managing to get wins and draws despite very limited numbers. Never let the players see the problems that was facing him behind the scenes.