Paul Zammit could return for a second spell with Valletta after the highly-respected coach left Birkirkara by mutual agreement yesterday.

Zammit’s exit from Birkirkara had been widely anticipated after reports surfaced a few weeks ago linking the Stripes with a move for Italian coach Giovanni Tedesco who was in charge of Floriana last season.

The uncertainty surrounding Zammit’s future refused to abate even after he had guided Birkirkara to the FA Trophy title following a 2-0 win over champions Hibernians in the final amid talk of differences between the coach and some influential members of the club’s committee.

The election of a new committee on Thursday night has done nothing to change the situation as Zammit, who had another year remaining on his contract, decided that his time with Birkirkara was up following a meeting with newly-elected president Adrian Delia and Joe Zammit, his predecessor.

Birkirkara confirmed that they had parted ways with Zammit in a statement on their website yesterday.

Valletta, who earlier this week decided not to renew the contract of Ivan Zammit, were reportedly eagerly awaiting the outcome of Paul Zammit’s crunch talks with Birkirkara after club officials identified him as their no.1 target to take charge of their team.

Discussions between Zammit, who led Valletta to the BOV Premier League title in season 2007-08, and top club officials are expected to intensify in the coming days.

Valletta will start their pre-season early to prepare for their participation in the Europa League.

It is believed that the Citizens view Zammit as the ideal coach to revitalise their team after a disappointing league campaign.

The Premier League runners-up are expected to bring in some new players and are already looking to replace captain Ryan Fenech after talks over a new contract broke down.

Balzan remain favourites to land the 29-year-old midfielder but Birkirkara have also entered the race for his signature.

Three Tunisian players are set to begin a trial when Valletta start their pre-season next month.

Meanwhile, Dr Delia, who also sits on the Malta FA Executive Committee, polled the highest number of votes, 221, in Birkirkara’s election committee, held during Thursday’s Annual General Meeting. The other elected officials are Frank Zarb, Matthew Calascione, Jonathan Friggieri, Nicholas Grima, Ivan Mizzi, Joseph Licari, Michael Bonnici and Peter Busuttil.

The FA Trophy winners are now expected to step up talks with Tedesco who quit his post as Floriana coach after leading the club to a fifth-place finish last season.

Elsewhere, Branko Nisevic has agreed a deal to stay on as Hibernians coach for the next two years.

Nisevic, who led Hibernians to the BOV Premier League title last season, is expected to put pen to paper in the coming days.

The Paolites are also engaged in discussions with Sliema Wanderers over goalkeeper Henry Bonello who spent last season on loan with the champions.

Hibernians have also declared an interest in Brazilian playmaker Gilmar who recently extended his contract with Naxxar Lions.

Manolov in Malta

Krasimir Manolov, the former Bulgarian striker who played for and coached Valletta in the past,was in Malta this week.

Manolov, who steered Valletta to an unprecedented haul of six trophies in season 2000-01, is currently working for an agency that specialises in the organisation of youth tournaments and training camps in the Turkish resort city of Antalya.

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