Zainal Abidin appointed to save Penang from relegation

GEORGE TOWN: Former Selangor coach Zainal Abidin Hassan was yesterday appointed by the Football Association of Penang (FAP) as the head coach of the Penang squad until the end of the Super League season.

Zainal Abidin, 54, a former national player himself, has been tasked with avoiding relegation for The Panthers to the Premier League next season.

FAP president Zairil Khir Johari said Zainal Abidin, one of the country's legendary footballers, was an experienced coach and would be able to assist Penang this season.

"Zainal's appointment will take effect next Monday and I believe we have found an experienced head coach who is able to restore the spirit of the players and ensure that Penang remain in the Super League at the end of the season," he said in a brief ceremony to introduce the new head coach, witnessed by Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng here yesterday.

The state government also announced the injection of RM3 million in additional funds for FAP.

Zainal Abidin was appointed to replace English head coach Ashley Westwood, whose contract was terminated with immediate effect on Sunday following the

team's lacklustre performance in this season's Super League campaign.

Earlier, Zainal Abidin, who has won the Super League with Pahang in 2004, said he would take up the challenge wholeheartedly.

He said he would not make any readjustments to the team for now, and hoped all the players would rise up to the task in the upcoming matches.

Penang currently sit bottom of the Super League after eight league games, with only two points.