Hibernians have installed Michael Woods as their new first-team coach, the 2012 FA Trophy winners announced yesterday.

Woods, 49, has put pen to paper on a three-year contract and succeeds Mark Miller who left his job last month to join champions Valletta.

For Woods, the appointment marks a return to a club with whom he enjoyed great success during his career as a central defender.

He helped Hibs to back-to-back league titles in 1994 and 1995. He was also Player of the Year in 1995.

After hanging his boots, Woods returned to Hibs as assistant coach to Robert Gatt and together they steered the Paolites to another championship in 2001.

“For me it’s like returning home,” the former Floriana and St George’s coach told The Times yesterday.

“Hibs have been an important part of my career and I would like to thank president Tony Bezzina and the committee for giving me this opportunity.

“I’m really looking forward to this new challenge.

“Mark Miller did really well to build a very competitive team here and our goal should be to try and further strengthen the squad to make sure Hibs remain among the main contenders.”

Woods met his players yester-day ahead of the pre-season training which starts today.

“We have to start in earnest for our European commitments,” Woods said.

“In the coming days I will be assessing all members in the squad. The overseas players who were at the club last season were all retained. Now, we’ll decide on any reinforcements if needed.”

Elsewhere, Birkirkara have also started pre-season under the charge of coach Paul Zammit.

Next season, the Stripes will again have Brazilians Rodrigo Pereira and Jorge Santos Silva, Serb Nikola Vukanac and Nigerian Shola Haruna as their overseas players.

Zammit is also looking to bring in a fifth foreigner to replace the departing Moises Avila-Perez, the Spanish forward who was not retained.

Anonam no.2

Tarxien Rainbows have handed a new one-year contract to utility player Orosco Anonam who will also help in the technical staff and act as no.2 to coach Danilo Doncic.

The Rainbows have decided to retain the services of South Americans Daniel Mariano Bueno and Luiz Romulo de Castro.

However, fellow Brazilians Ricardo Costa and Everton Pereira and Danish striker Jimmy Mayasi were released.