Floriana FC yesterday bolstered their backroom staff after securing the services of Joe Abela who will be serving as team manager for the upcoming season.

Abela has a wealth of experience in the Premier League as for the past 12 years he had held the same role with Birkirkara FC.

Last month, Abela decided to step down from his post following the Stripes’ 2-1 defeat in the FA Trophy semi-final to Floriana.

He took the decision after shoul-dering responsibility for a blatant error in the closing minutes of the match when the team fielded five foreigners, one more than the MFA rules allow.

After that mishap Abela had his mind set on taking a break from the game. But, Floriana coach Michael Woods came in and convinced him to return and take up a new challenge with the Greens.

“I’m really excited to be joining an ambitious team like Floriana,” Abela told The Times yesterday.

“I had been with Birkirkara since 1999-2000 and I felt it was time to take a break from the game. But when Michael Woods approached me I couldn’t turn down his offer as he made it clear that I would be a valuable addition to his team.”

Abela will be introduced to the Floriana players tomorrow. He will make his first appearance in his new role on Friday when the Greens face Valletta in the opening match of the Euro Cup at the Hibs Stadium.