The former Leeds United and MK Dons coach is looking for a job in Australia to replace the former Sheffield United player
The A-League team is looking for a new boss following the departure of Nick Montgomery to take charge of Hibernian.
They once again turned to the Leeds-born character, giving the role to Jackson
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It marks the return to senior management for the 45-year-old, who was sacked by Milton Keynes Dons earlier this year.
Central Coast Mariners athletic director Matt Simon said:
“I’m really delighted to welcome Mark to the club. After our first conversation with Mark, it was clear to us that he was the right person to lead the club into the future.
“His experience and track record with youth development was a standout and fits in with exactly what we want to continue to do at the club.”
Jackson said: “I am proud and extremely excited to be joining the Central Coast Mariners. To be a part of a club with a community and family feel, that wants youth players to come in and that everyone on that pitch wants to give everything for is really nice and something that I want to see continue.
“I want to play front foot football and dominate every part of the game. That is my philosophy, that is how I want my teams to play, and that is what I will bring to the Central Coast. The club is in a fantastic position, so I want to continue that good work and help the club grow and continue to move forward.”
The move reunites Jackson with ex-Leeds analyst Andres Clavijo, who joined the club in August.
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Dons were taking on a side that had lost seven straight games in Sky Bet League Two, but found themselves 1-0 down at the break thanks to a powerful header from Omar Sowunmi after 37 minutes.
Skipper Alex Gilbey equalised eight minutes into the second half with a 20-yard strike, and despite big chances at both ends, neither side could find a winner.
Gilbey did almost clinch all three points but failed to convert a teasing Mo Eisa cross in the dying minutes, and Dons were also indebted to a clutch of good saves from goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray to secure their point.
“We weren’t good enough in the first half, we didn’t commit to what we had done in the previous game at Oxford,” said a downbeat Alexander.
“I thought we were almost waiting to see how the game panned out.
“They got their goal from a set-piece, which was always going to be a danger, and then in the second half we showed more urgency.
“We passed the ball better and with a purpose and commitment, and deservedly got back into the game.
“I then felt we had spells we should have took advantage of and got another goal, but you are always wary of having to defend against Sutton, certainly when they put so many balls in towards your box.
“We had to manage both sides of the game.
“We are disappointed with a point, but I am also disappointed with how we approached the first half.
“We got sucked into a game that didn’t suit us, and we need to learn from that and be better.”
The draw leaves MK Dons in 10th place in the league two table, one point outside the play-offs and three points off the top three.
Dons now have a free week before they host Harrogate Town at Stadium MK on Saturday.
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