By Matthew Gilbert for PMF News

SYDNEY – It has been rumoured today that Australian manager Frank Farina is on the verge of quitting his post and vacating it for PMF’s Aussie Jones, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.

Farina, who only months ago signed a new contract with Soccer Australia (SA) after protracted delays, is thought to be wanted out of the position after some scathing criticism from SA chairman Ian Knop for both the team’s style of play and the team selection in their surprise 1-0 home loss to lowly Wales last month.

His replacement has already been identified as Everton manager Aussie Jones, who although publicly has denied his interest in the position, would no doubt relish the challenge of leading the ‘Socceroos’ from international obscurity into the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

It is expected that Farina, if he quits, will join one of any number of Italian clubs interested in taking him on as manager. For Jones, a potential sticking point is his contract with Everton, but there may be the possibility of taking the Socceroos job on a part-time basis. Jones himself has built a large Australian contingent at Everton, and is seen as the natural successor to Farina.

If Farina does quit, Knop is expected to fly to Liverpool and meet with Jones personally, to have him installed as Socceroos manager before their next international friendly match next month.