A group of Birkirkara fans have started an online petition urging the club to retain Paul Zammit as head coach.
Zammit has one year left on his contract with Birkirkara but his future with the club is in jeopardy amid increasing speculation that the FA Trophy winners have been contemplating a coaching change with Giovanni Tedesco, who was in charge of Floriana last season, widely seen as the front-runner.
“Following the news that as club administrators you would be discussing the future of Mr Paul Zammit, we as a section of the Birkirkara FC supporters, are starting this petition to express our full gratitude and support towards Mr. Zammit for all that he has built and achieved during both of his two spells at the club, having won no less than 2 BOV Premier League Titles, 2 Super Cup Titles and 1 FA Trophy Title,” the fans wrote in their petition which has been posted on Facebook.
“We are therefore of the opinion, that if Mr. Zammit is given your trust, he will continue to steer this club forward, not just for the short-term but especially for the years ahead.
“Whilst we are sure that you will be choosing the best path ahead, we truly acknowledge and appreciate that you would need to take this and other very important and difficult decisions for the future of our beloved club.”
Having just led Birkirkara to 2-0 victory over Hibernians in the FA Trophy last Saturday, Zammit said that he was expecting to meet with the club’s administration soon to see if they “are still on the same wavelength”.
His comment coupled with the reticence of top club officials to confirm that Zammit will remain in charge for next season have done little to allay rumours about his possible exit from Birkirkara in the coming weeks.
Reports suggest that Valletta could make an approach for Zammit if he parts ways with Birkirkara.
At the time of writing, 368 persons had signed the online petition.
Meanwhile, Rafael Ledesma is set to leave Birkirkara after the Brazilian forward announced that he is seeking pastures new for next season.
Elsewhere, Clive Mizzi has stepped down as Tarxien Rainbows coach after three years in charge.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Mizzi thanked Anthony Cassar, the president of Tarxien Rainbows for the faith he has always shown in him and all those who supported him, especially during difficult times.