SINGAPORE, 9 September 2026 — Singapore Premier League powerhouse Lion City Sailors have named Englishman Mark Jackson as their new head coach.
The 48-year-old tactician has committed to a contract running through 30 June 2027, bringing elite continental pedigree to Singapore after securing historic trebles in both Australia and Thailand.
Jackson’s arrival represents an ambitious statement of intent for the Sailors as they look to assert their dominance domestically and establish a major footprint across the continent in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
Proven Continental Pedigree: Back-to-Back Trebles in Asia
Jackson moves to Singapore with one of the most remarkable recent managerial CVs in Asian club football:
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Central Coast Mariners (2023/24): In his debut season in Australia, Jackson guided the Mariners to a clean sweep, capturing the A-League Men Premiership, the A-League Championship, and the AFC Cup — the final iteration of Asia's second-tier tournament before its rebrand into ACL Two.
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Buriram United (2025/26): Taking over the Thai giants in October 2025, Jackson delivered another treble, winning Thai League 1, the Thai FA Cup, and the Shopee Cup, which concluded with a two-legged final triumph over Malaysia's Selangor FC. He simultaneously steered Buriram to the quarter-finals of the top-tier AFC Champions League Elite.
| Club | Honors & Trophies Won |
| Central Coast Mariners 🇦🇺 | A-League Men Premiership, A-League Men Championship, AFC Cup (Treble, 2023/24) |
| Buriram United 🇹🇭 | Thai League 1, Thai FA Cup, ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup (Treble, 2025/26) |
"Pushing the Standards Every Day"
Speaking on his appointment, Jackson expressed his excitement about leading the Singapore side into a new era:
"I'm incredibly honoured to be joining this fantastic football club. I'm looking forward to getting started, meeting the players, staff and supporters, and becoming part of the club's journey.
"The ambition and vision of the club were major factors in my decision to join, and I'd like to sincerely thank the owner, board and Director of Football for the trust and confidence they have shown in me to lead the team.
"There is a huge amount to look forward to, with an exciting season ahead. We'll work together, push the standards every day and give everything to achieve our ambitions."
Jackson will be accompanied by incoming Assistant Coach Cameron Toshack, who will also join the Sailors' backroom staff subject to employment visa approval.
Executive Backing & Transition Period
Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang highlighted Jackson's tactical acumen and proven capacity to navigate Asian football tournaments as decisive factors behind the swift appointment:
"Following last week's change in the First Team's coaching leadership, we moved swiftly and carefully to identify the right coach for the Sailors.
"Mark's proven record of success in Australia and Thailand, together with his experience of competing at the highest levels of Asian club football, made him an excellent fit for our ambitions. We are delighted to welcome him to the club."
Liang also extended gratitude to Varo Moreno, who stepped up at short notice to oversee first-team duties. Moreno will remain in interim charge until Jackson and Toshack finalize their respective employment visas and officially take the reins.