Floriana part ways with coach Vieira

Antonio Vieira is no longer the coach of Floriana FC. Yesterday, officials from the club confirmed that the Brazilian was relieved off his duties after only a couple of months in charge.

The decision to fire Vieira was taken following the poor performance in the 4-1 upset to Premier League leaders Hibernians on Sunday. The defeat left the Greens in fifth place in the standings on 16 points and practically out of the running for a place in Europe.

A Floriana spokesman yesterday told The Times that the committee members have now decided that assistant coach Tony Alamango will be responsible for the team for the rest of the season. A new coach will probably be appointed in summer ahead of the pre-season.

Vieira had taken over the reins at Floriana in January to replace Zoran Popovic. The Serb had stepped down from the post and returned to his homeland for what he termed as family reasons.

Vieira had guided Floriana from the bench for eight league and Trophy matches, chalking up just one victory - a 3-1 win over Qormi. That victory, however, was eventually overturned by the Malta FA Protest Board due to the ineligibility of Brazilian striker Paulo Rogerio Da Silva.

Vieira's only other positive result was a 1-1 draw against Hibernians on February 2 at the Hibs Ground.

Floriana's next match is scheduled for Saturday, April 4 when they take on fierce rivals Valletta at the National Stadium.