Ernest “Ernie” Merrick OAM (born 15 January 1953) is a Scottish‑Australian football (soccer) coach. He has managed clubs and national teams in the A‑League, Hong Kong, and New Zealand, and, as of August 2022, serves as the inaugural Chief Football Officer of Football Australia.
Early life and playing career
Merrick was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, into a circus family. He emigrated to Australia, where he played as a defender for lower‑division clubs, including Frankston City (1975–1978) and Doveton (1979–1984). He also worked as a physical‑education teacher while playing semi‑professionally.
Coaching career
Early roles
- Assistant coach at Doveton (1979–1984)
- Assistant coach at Frankston Pines (1986)
- Head coach of Preston Lions FC (1987–1988)
- Head coach of Sunshine George Cross (1989–1991)
- Coach of the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) program (1992–2004)
Melbourne Victory (2005–2011)
Merrick became the inaugural head coach of Melbourne Victory for the inaugural A‑League season (2005/06). After an initial disappointing season, he guided the club to its first A‑League Premiership and Championship in 2006–07, repeating the double in 2008–09 and adding the Pre‑Season Challenge Cup in 2008. He was dismissed in March 2011 following a poor start to the 2010–11 season and a heavy loss to Gamba Osaka in the Asian Champions League.
Hong Kong national team (2011–2012)
Appointed head coach of the Hong Kong national football team in December 2011. He left the role in October 2012.
Wellington Phoenix (2013–2016)
Signed a two‑year contract in May 2013 to manage the New Zealand‑based A‑League club Wellington Phoenix. After a successful second season, he extended his contract for three years but resigned in December 2016 following a defeat to Adelaide United.
Newcastle Jets (2017–2020)
Took over as head coach in May 2017. In his first season, the Jets reached the A‑League Grand Final, losing to Melbourne Victory after a controversial VAR decision. He signed an extended contract in April 2018 but was sacked in January 2020 after a run of poor results.
St Kilda Football Club (2022)
Joined the Australian Football League club St Kilda as a mentor to senior coach Brett Ratten, providing match‑day and football department support.
Football Australia (2022–present)
Appointed chief football officer in August 2022, tasked with advising on football matters, shaping a national playing style, overseeing coach education, and supporting structural reforms such as a domestic transfer system and a proposed National Second Division.
Personal life
Merrick’s early upbringing in a travelling circus is noted, and before his full‑time coaching career he worked as a PE teacher. He holds Australian citizenship in addition to his Scottish origins.
Honours and recognitions
Club (with Melbourne Victory)
- A‑League Championship: 2006–07, 2008–09
- A‑League Premiership: 2006–07, 2008–09
- A‑League Pre‑Season Challenge Cup: 2008
Individual
- A‑League Coach of the Year: 2006–07, 2009–10
- Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM): 2014
Records
Merrick holds A‑League records for the most games managed (308) and most games won (128), and is the only coach to have managed over 300 A‑League matches.