Manik's job at stake?

Shafiqul Islam Manik's future as national football coach looks uncertain after the National Team Management Committee (NTMC) seemingly fell divided on the issue.
Although NTMC chairman Badal Roy, also a vice-president of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF), is still interested to retain Manik as national coach, the members of his committee have been indifferent.
The NTMC had a meeting on Saturday night and according to its co-chairman Nurul Alam Chowdhury, the members have not reached a decision.
"I was not happy with the result of the national team in Myanmar. The team have returned in empty hands," commented Chowdhury yesterday.
Manik's rather defensive strategy is not beyond criticism but the former national footballer, who has been in charge for three and a half months and awaits a renewal of his contract which ended in November, did well with the underprepared side.
Bangladesh have not won under him but the five matches in two tournaments saw the national team concede just six goals, less than South East Asian superior oppositions like Myanmar, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Vietnam and Myanmar won the Merdeka Cup and the Grand Royal Challenge Cup respectively and Manik's side drew with both the teams.
The thing that goes against Manik mainly is that the national team have no international commitment before the under-23 side are due to take part in the SA Games at home, scheduled for December 2009 or January 2010.
The NTMC members feel that it would be unwise to waste salary for a national coach, who will have no work but to watch the players from the bench.
Whatever, the BFF president Kazi Salahuddin, now abroad, will have the final say after talks with NTMC chairman Badal Roy.