Lion City Sailors Appoint Mark Jackson as New Head Coach
Lion City Sailors have appointed Englishman Mark Jackson as their new Head Coach, with the 48-year-old set to take charge of the Singaporean giants until 30 June 2027.
Jackson arrives at the Sailors with a formidable reputation in Asian football, having guided both Australia's Central Coast Mariners and Thailand's Buriram United to historic domestic and continental trebles.
His proven record of success is expected to strengthen Lion City Sailors' ambitions of making a deeper impact in Asian club competitions, including the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
“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,” Jackson said.
“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's credentials in Asian football have been built on a series of remarkable achievements.
During the 2023/24 season, he led Central Coast Mariners to the A-League Men Premiership and Championship double, while also guiding the club to the AFC Cup title.
That continental success came in the final edition of the AFC Cup before the competition was replaced by the AFC Champions League Two.
Jackson then took charge of Buriram United last October and continued his incredible run of success.
The English coach delivered another historic treble with the Thai giants during the 2025/26 season, winning the Thai League 1, Thai FA Cup and Shopee Cup.
Buriram defeated Malaysia's Selangor FC over two legs in the Shopee Cup final in May, while Jackson also led the Thai powerhouse to the AFC Champions League Elite quarter-finals, further highlighting his ability to compete against Asia's top clubs.
At Lion City Sailors, Jackson will be joined by Assistant Coach Cameron Toshack, who will also begin his duties once his employment visa is approved.
Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang believes Jackson's extensive experience and remarkable winning record make him the ideal candidate to lead the club into its next phase.
“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,” said Liang.
“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.
“We are also grateful to Varo Moreno and the coaching staff for stepping up at short notice and ensuring continuity for the First Team during this transition.”
Jackson will officially begin his tenure once his employment visa is approved.
Until then, Varo Moreno will remain in interim charge of the First Team, ensuring a smooth transition as the Sailors prepare for their upcoming challenges.
Credit Photo : LCS
