Zammit back to lead Stripes

Paul Zammit is back at the helm of Birkirkara, only four months after the end of his first spell with the club.

The appointment of Zammit had been widely anticipated as the charismatic coach was the preferred candidate for the job after Birkirkara terminated the contract of Patrick Curmi after only five league matches.

Zammit’s return was rubberstamped yesterday when he was presented to the fans during a social activity after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract.

Birkirkara’s decision to re-appoint Zammit represents a U-turn by the former Malta champions as, back in May, the former Valletta and Mosta coach was not offered a new deal after his two-year contract ran out at the end of the season.

The club committee at the time deemed that a coaching change was the best way forward after Birkirkara had failed to produce a bold challenge to retain the Premier League title. But, the team’s stuttering form of late prompted the officials to call time on Curmi’s short tenure and turn back to Zammit.

“As I told the supporters, I would like to thank Karm Galea, the former Birkirkara president, and the committee members I worked with in my first coaching spell with the club,” Zammit told The Times.

“I’m also grateful to the present Birkirkara committee for the faith they have shown in me.

“I’ve decided to accept Birkirkara’s proposal to become the team’s coach for three main reasons.

“Firstly, I believe in the potential of the Birkirkara players, both those who were at the club during my first stint as well as those who arrived this summer. Secondly, the committee and I have a common vision about the objectives and priorities of the club.

“Last but not least, the fans played a big part in my decision to return. I have great respect for the club’s supporters and I know that they also respect me.”

On Friday, Birkirkara chalked up their first victory in four matches after a 2-1 win over Marsaxlokk. Assistant coach Peter Pullicino, who took charge of the team for Friday’s game, has been confirmed by Zammit along with the other members of the technical staff, including goalkeepers’ coach Roderick Agius who only joined Birkirkara a couple of months ago.

Zammit, who guided Birkirkara to Premier League glory in season 2009-10, his first year in charge, is poised for a baptism of fire as the Stripes’ next match is against champions and rivals Valletta on October 15.