As Cklamovski and Fleig sit in a quiet executive area in the main stand at the Peninsula Stadium, now undergoing a repaint as the club prepares to return to its original orange colours next season, the rationale for appointing someone with no direct experience of English football is sound.
In announcing his appointment, Salford said Cklamovski has a ‘reputation for having an attack-minded style that captures the imagination of supporters’. “Peter,” Salford say, “brings a fresh approach at an exciting juncture for the club.”
Yet as Cklamovski knows from the experiences of Postecoglou, success outside Europe, no matter how notable, tends not to impress too many football fans in England.
“For me it all comes down to a belief in what you do and a belief in how you do it,” said Cklamovski.
“It’s a process driven, evidence-based approach and you don’t waste a second in any day. If you have the mentality to get better every day, you have a process to it and focus on how you can execute strong team performances, results will follow no matter what part of the world you’re in.”
It would be interesting to know whether Postecoglou has spoken to co-owner Gary Neville about Salford during the World Cup given the pair are both working at the tournament for ITV Sport.
Cklamovski has spoken to Postecoglou, who he describes as a mentor. A partnership that endured for 15 years began with the Australia Under-17s squad. The bond was so close, Cklamovski worked with his friend in the lower leagues in Greece as Postecoglou rebuilt his career after falling out with former Australia international and TV pundit Craig Foster live on air in 2007.
They were side-by-side when Brisbane won the A-League in 2011 and Australia won the Asian Cup four years later.
“I’m always in contact with him,” said Cklamovski. “He’s given sound feedback on many things on my coaching journey, this being one of them.”
In addition to speaking exclusively to Sport, after flying back from Malaysia as he tied up the loose ends of his national team exit, Cklamovski’s first full day at Salford was spent dealing with administrative issues and getting to know people at the club.
He did not speak to Neville or fellow co-owner David Beckham as part of the process.
His family are due to join him in just over a month, by which time pre-season training will be in full swing.
As Robinson was sacked despite finishing one place off automatic promotion and being beaten by Notts County at Wembley, the task is obvious.
“That’s what I’m here for,” he said. “I’m not here to have a holiday. I’m here to achieve success.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s a great opportunity.
“The club’s got lofty ambitions and big dreams. It’s something I’m really hungry to chase.”
