All A-League football clubs will finally have dugouts next year, but the Wellington Phoenix coach Ernie Merrick has slammed Football Federation Australia, accusing them of unnecessarily banning their use for years.
The issue is under the spotlight again since Sydney FC's under fire coach Frank Farina had a drink thrown on him during Saturday's 3-0 home loss to Adelaide at Allianz Stadium.
Farina feels there should be better protection for players, coaches and support staff, who currently use uncovered chairs on the sideline.
A-League boss Damien de Bohun says as a result of stadium upgrades for the 2015 Asian Cup, all A-League venues will inherit dugouts.
Ernie Merrick had criticised the FFA for banning dugouts, even in grounds which already had them in place for other codes, citing reasons that included restricting views.
