MALACCA: Former Myanmar under-16 and Yangon United title-winning coach Eric Williams was today announced as the new Malacca United coach ahead of their Super League debut next season.
Having built his coaching profile in Indonesia with Perseman Manokwari and a successful run with Yangon United in Myanmar, the Englishman, who also carries an Australian passport, arrived yesterday to begin what could be his biggest test yet as a coach.
Malacca United Soccer Association (MUSA) deputy president Datuk Mohd Yusof Mahadi said Williams has been signed on a one-year contract, with a view of an extension should his stint prove successful.
"It is not easy to find a coach who is able to fill the boots of Mat Zan Mat Aris, who took us to successive promotions and the Premier League title last season," said Yusof.
"We hope that Eric is able to make a big impact in the Super League next season, although we have yet to determine the targets we should be meeting under Williams and the squad we have."
Williams is a father to three professional footballers who have plied their trade in the English league - former Middlesbrough captain Rhys, Ryan now at Barnsley and Aryn, formerly of Burnley and Swindon Town, before moving back to Australia, where he now plays for Floreat Athena.