Reign of Han
In a move that has been anticipated for days, Grilled Birds parted company with their 49 year-old German head coach, after eight seasons that have seen the club descend from perennial S-League contenders, to second division also-rans.
According to insiders, the split was less than congenial, with at least one chair being overturned after Liehner was summoned by the board. Liehner was reported to be upset that the club had made no provision for a severance payment, though none was specified in his rolling contract. The outgoing coach refused all interviews, and left Singapore on the next flight out.
In his place, the board have installed Grilled skipper
Han Lik-Tsun, who has as his first act in charge passed the armband permanently to outspoken Brazilian goalkeeper Valdir Daes Paes, with current vice-captain
Quah Han Kok remaining as such.
"Valdir has displayed great leadership ability, and Grilled have had a good record with goalie-captains." Han explained. "Also, he's some years younger than Quah, who is aware that he might be phased out in the next couple of seasons. This will help ensure stability in the side."
Han also admitted that his focus will be on the defence, since that is what he knows best, having enjoyed a long club and national career in central defence. "This won't affect the training of our strikers." Han insisted. "They will still be given every attention by our specialist coaches."
Squad reaction to Han's promotion was politely enthusiastic, with some fans quick to state one of the obvious reasons for it. "Since he's not up to it as a player anymore, it makes sense for him to talk the talk, as he at least has walked the walk." longtime fan and acoustic engineer Lai Hon Mun commented.
