COLLINGWOOD forward Travis Cloke has thrown his support behind Mick Malthouse, saying he wants the Magpies coach to stay at the club beyond this year.

Malthouse’s future continues to be a topic of discussion, with the 55-year-old out of contract at season’s end.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said earlier this week his club would not rush a decision on Malthouse’s future, despite coaching vacancies at Richmond and North Melbourne – as well as the likelihood that former Pie Nathan Buckley will enter the coaching arena in 2010.

However Cloke, in his fifth season at the Lexus Centre, said his coach still had plenty to offer.

“I’d love to see him there next year, definitely,” Cloke told collingwoodfc.com.au.

“I reckon he’s a great coach and I reckon he’s still got a lot more to give as a senior coach and hopefully it is at Collingwood.

“As a person he’s a great bloke; he seems to know what he wants and as a coach he’s exceptional.

“He’s got great people around him, which also helps also.”

Cloke said debate about the Magpies’ coaching job was no distraction for the players, with the Pies able to move to fourth on the AFL ladder should they beat the Sydney Swans on Saturday night.

“There’s a lot of talk about his contract next year … but no one really seems to be bothered about it and if Mick’s not bothered about it then I don’t think any of us should be,” Cloke said.

“I’m sure it’ll take care of itself.

 “Who’s going to coach next week, who’s going to coach next year is not really up to us; it’s up to the board, so we leave that up to them.

“But I’m sure the whole football list and the administration staff are all behind Mick and really looking forward to the prospects that come this year.”