Malta FA clear way for Curmi's appointment as Marsaxlokk coach

Patrick Curmi yesterday took charge of his first training session as Marsaxlokk coach after putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Uncertainty surrounded Curmi's imminent future after Msida St Joseph, his former club, not only turned down his resignation earlier this month but decided to suspend the former Pietà coach for 28 days for breach of contract.

However, the saga took a new twist on Monday evening when the Malta FA's Executive Committee gave the go-ahead to Marsaxlokk to engage a new coach after the latter sought a clarification on the issue from the local governing body of football.

Marsaxlokk asked the Malta FA Executive if they were eligible to sign a coach who recently terminated his employment with another club, in this case Premier League rivals Msida St Joseph.

An MFA spokesman confirmed that the association's rules don't bar clubs from giving a job to a coach who has stepped down from his post with another club.

Contacted by The Times yesterday, Curmi confirmed his appointment as Marsaxlokk coach with immediate effect.

"I'm satisfied that the Malta FA have upheld Marsaxlokk's request," Curmi said.

Curmi also said that he has filed a complaint with the Malta FA over 18 months of unpaid wages by Msida. During his two-and-a-half year reign as Msida coach, Curmi succeeded in keeping the team in the Premier League.

"I want to thank the Msida players for their commitment and co-operation during my time as coach," Curmi said.

"I think we've done a good job in preserving Msida's top-flight status in the past two seasons. I also want to show my appreciation to the fans for their constant support and I sincerely hope that they understand my position. I couldn't continue to work for a club who had not paid my wages for such a long time."

At present, Joe Abdilla is in temporary charge of Msida. Last weekend, he led them to a useful 2-0 victory over Tarxien Rainbows as the Saints are bidding to finish among the top six and avoid the Relegation Pool.

Meanwhile, Brian Talbot, the English coach who steered Marsaxlokk to their first Premier League title in 2006-07, has relinquished the reins of the team to make way for Curmi.

Talbot will take up the post of technical director in a new coaching structure for the southerners in which Peter Hartshorne will continue to occupy the role of assistant coach and team manager.

Robert Micallef, the Marsaxlokk president, also confirmed the appointment of Curmi as head coach yesterday.

Curmi's first match in charge of Marsaxlokk will be against champions Valletta on Saturday at the National Stadium.

Robert Farrugia, the Msida SJ president, was unavailable for comment.