Is It A Mistake To Replace The National Coach? by Chua Kee Peow

It has been a while since the Singapore national football team tasted success at the international level. The last victory would bring us back to a headed goal by Sasikumar which put us one up against the rest of Southeast Asia in the 1998 Tiger Cup. And prior to that, our famous Malaysia Cup victory many, many years ago (when Fandi was still a national player).

Recent poor result for the Singapore Team, and its consequences

During the recent Tiger Cup in Thailand, I watched with renewed enthusiasm as the new look team, under the leadership of national coach Subramaniam, took to the pitch to face tough opposition from the rest of the region. Despite all the hype, Singapore fired blanks, and was booted out of the competition.

All hell broke loose in the media as everyone called for Vincent's sacking. I read with interest and annoyance as the various sports media commented on his failure. After Singapore has been successful in so many of her endeavors, the people seem to lose their patience in those who fail to bring in instant glory.

Inevitably, Vincent left his position as Singapore soccer coach.

Vincent and his work

I, for one, feel that Vincent should have stayed as the Republic's national coach. A look at his resume would prove his competence. He was the Coach of the Year with SAF Warriors in 1996 and 1997 and to top that, he won the honor of Asia's best coach in July 1997. Rather impressive for the former non-commissioned officer from the Singapore Armed Forces.

He gave many young players the opportunity to break into the national team in order to reduce the average age of the Singapore football squad., especially since team renewal is a quintessential part of building a good squad. And it surely has to take some time for the team spirit and understanding to develop.

A Lack of Continuity

A look at past Singapore coaches would reveal that with the exception of Choo Seng Quee (in 1977) and Douglas Moore (1994), national coaches who have stayed on the job for a period longer than two years have managed to achieve better results than those who have stayed for less than two years. This goes to show that with patience and hard work put in, these coaches can make the team win.

In the English Premier League, the manager of West Ham United, Harry Redknapp, has been with the club for many seasons, despite the club's numerous relegation battles. However, Harry's team has been finishing high in the English Premier League, and been in contention for European competition places in recent seasons.

Perhaps it is the rush to realize Goal 2010 that made the FAS run out of patience with him, but to this end I have never really felt Goal 2010 to be achievable. In fact, with a more patient and dedicated nurturing process, Singapore football may actually mature and attain a higher level of success than that which Goal 2010 would bring.

The Future and Beyond

Vincent signed a new contract 2 December 2000, to act as senior staff coach of the Singapore soccer team on. He will also be embarking on the Asian Football Confederation's Professional Diploma course - the highest level of coaching in the world. No doubt all this would benefit local football as a whole but I feel that we have lost a very good national coach, especially one who is a homegrown talent.

There is now little left to do except to await the plan that the new caretaker coach, Jan Poulsen (incidentally also the Goal 2010 Project Director) is going to chart for Singapore football. To this end, one can only hope for more patience, for the team and for the coach.

Note: This article was published on Aspire website between 2001-2002.

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