Stephen Azzopardi has left Qormi to take over as Floriana coach after lengthy discussions between all parties led to an agreement yesterday evening.

Floriana CEO Stephen Speed told The Times yesterday that Azzopardi will take charge of the team with immediate effect after signing a two-year deal.

Top club officials had moved swiftly to open talks with Azzopardi on Wednesday after receiving permission from Qormi to talk to the experienced coach who will succeed former Liverpool defender Mark Wright.

Reports yesterday morning suggested that Azzopardi had all but agreed terms with Floriana following Wednesday’s meeting.

Azzopardi, who also had spells with Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers, met Redino Apap, the Qormi president, yesterday afternoon to discuss his position with the club as well as the possibility of terminating his contract in view of Floriana’s strong interest.

The Qormi boss confirmed in the evening that they had given Azzopardi the green light to join Floriana, adding that the parting of ways had been amicable.

Floriana had stepped up their efforts to finalise Azzopardi’s appointment before tomorrow’s eagerly-anticipated derby with Valletta.

The Greens had been looking to recruit a new coach after Wright returned to England only weeks after his appointment last summer.

In Wright’s absence, Alan Lewer, Floriana’s assistant coach, was put in charge of first-team affairs on a temporary basis.

Former Malta coach John Buttigieg was the early favourite to succeed Wright before dropping out of contention while Danilo Doncic was also touted as a potential contender.

Floriana, seventh in the table with nine points from seven games, have also signed experienced goalkeeper Tony Warner and former England striker Francis Jeffers ahead of their meeting with Valletta.

Meanwhile, Azzopardi’s move to Floriana has created a vacancy at Qormi.

Sources have told The Times that Qormi are looking at two options. Their former coach Jesmond Zerafa, who led Valletta to back-to-back titles, is a strong candidate but Qormi are also considering offering the job to Joe Brincat who has just joined the club as assistant coach.

Qormi face Melita on Sunday.

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