Hibernians secure Pulis for another five years

Hibernians have secured the services of sturdy defender Adrian Pulis for another five years.

Transfer rumours had Pulis linked with a possible move away from Paola after his contract expired at the end of last season. But the 26-year-old on Tuesday gave his nod to a new long-term deal after fruitful discussions with the club's high-ranking officials.

Snapped up from St Patrick in 2000, Pulis needed some time to adapt to the demands of Premier League football but for the last two years he has been a mainstay in the Hibs defence, forging a solid partnership with Aaron Xuereb and Ryan Mintoff.

"I'm delighted that talks with Hibernians over a new contract have come to a positive ending," Pulis told The Times.

"Choosing to stay with Hibs was an easy decision for me as I feel settled here. They showed faith in my abilities when they signed me from St Patrick a few years back and now I'm only too willing to repay their trust by signing a new contract," Pulis said.

Pulis is confident that the young players in the squad have garnered the necessary experience to make a stronger challenge for domestic honours in future.

"The squad went through some significant changes since our league title in 2002 but last season we showed that Hibs are on a par with the big guns. Our third-place finish underlines our improvement."

Consolidating his status within the national squad is also a target for Pulis who is often spoken of as the 'gentle giant' due to his quiet and unassuming character.

"My involvement in Malta's last two World Cup qualifiers has increased my determination to strive more in search of a regular place with the national team.

"I know it's not easy but I will do my best," Pulis remarked.

Bulgarian Raykov to succeed Petrone

Premier League club Msida St Joseph have reached agreement with Todor Raykov to become their head coach for next season.

Raykov has been living in his home country Bulgaria for the past year now after a lengthy stay in Malta during which he held various posts with different clubs.

Before leaving the islands, Raykov was in charge of Gozo Division One club Kercem Ajax. In the late stages of the 2003-2004 season, Raykov also formed part of a technical panel that oversaw first-team matters at Msida St Joseph following the resignation of coach Joe Grech.

Mario Petrone was the coach of Msida last season but the club's hopes of retaining his services failed to materialise after the Italian accepted a proposal from Roberto Goveani, Msida's former president, to take over a team in Moldova.

Reports that Raykov is now set to replace Petrone have been confirmed by Kevin Deguara, the newly-elected Msida president.

"We have agreed in principle with Raykov to become the new coach of Msida SJ," Dr Deguara said.

"He is expected in Malta next week to sign the contract and start the pre-season."

Dr Deguara also said that former Malta skipper David Carabott has agreed to join Msida on a one-year deal.

Msida are also reportedly interested in signing promising Gozitan Elton Vella, one of the best midfielders in the Gozo FA Division One last season. The arrival of Raykov should boost Vella's chances of signing for Msida as the two already know each other from Raykov's time at the helm of Kercem.