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FAS officially unveil V Sundramoorthy as Lions head coach

SINGAPORE — The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) officially confirmed on Friday (May 27) the appointment of V Sundramoorthy as the caretaker coach of the Singapore National team.

SINGAPORE — The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) officially confirmed on Friday (May 27) the appointment of V Sundramoorthy as the caretaker coach of the Singapore National team.

The 50-year-old will take over the job – which was left vacant following the departure of German Bernd Stange in April – after agreeing to a one-year contract with the FAS.

Sundramoorthy will also relinquish his current role as head coach of S.League outfit Tampines Rovers with immediate effect.

Watch TODAY's interview with the newly appointed coach :

Watch the press conference:

 

This is the first time in close to 16 years that the Lions will be helmed by a local national coach. Vincent Subramanian, who led Singapore from 1998 to 2000, was the last Singaporean to hold the post.

FAS vice-president Lim Kia Tong said: “We have for some time been considering giving a local coach an opportunity to lead the national team. After much consideration, we decided that Sundram is the best candidate to take over the role of caretaker coach.”

Describing him as a local icon who has entertained Singapore football fans with his nifty footwork and served the country with pride, Lim said: “Sundram was in our national set-up for close to a decade during which he led the national age-group teams. Through his talent, hard work and determination, he has made a name for himself as a credibale coach.

“He defied the odds in 2013 when he led the LionsXII to the Malayisan Super League title. In addition to his coaching credentials and detailed plan aimed at strengthening the national team, Sundram knows the players well.

“His tactical nuance and ability has been recognised by the players, and he is supported as the best candidate.

“I would like to convey our appreciation to Tampines Rovers and their chairman Krishna Ramachandra for the blessings they have given to Sundram.”

When asked whether the phrase ‘caretaker coach’ was patronising towards Sundram, and indicated a lack of faith in local coaching talent, Lim said: “The term is just a form. The substance is that Sundram is indeed the national coach.

“Technically, legally and contractually, if Sundram is prepared to reveal the terms of his contract, all the terms suggest he is in substance the national coach.” 

Sundram said he was “extremely happy and deeply honoured” to be appointed national caretaker coach.

He added: “I know there are several high-profile candidates for the post, and I am happy that the FAS has given this opportunity to a local coach.”

Referring to the one-year contract which has raised eyebrows and ignited much criticism in the local football community, Sundram said: “The duration of the contract makes little difference to me, to be honest. FAS and I are happy with the one-year deal which allows me to work until May next year.

“I’d like to thank the FAS for their support. I know for a fact I have their full support.

“To all stakeholders, I seek your support and patience. Let us strive for the success of Singapore football.”

Sundram’s first assignment will come in the form of next week’s friendly international quadrangular tournament – the AYA Bank Cup – which will feature Singapore as well as regional rivals Myanmar, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

But the real test of his abilities will be during this year’s Suzuki Cup, where he has been set the target of leading the Lions to at least the semi-finals after their group-stage exit on home soil in 2014.

Said Lim: “We didn’t set the target for him. He himself told us he could achieve it. So with this commendable attitue, I was one of those who said yes to his apppointment.”

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