Malta Under-21 coach Ray Farrugia. Photo: Domenic AquilinaRay Farrugia is set to be named assistant coach of the senior national team.
Farrugia has been at the helm of the Malta U-21 squad for the past three years, having also held the same position for four years between 1998 and 2002.
His promotion as Pietro Ghedin’s right-hand man had been mooted for some time but the appointment has yet to be rubberstamped by the MFA Executive Committee as discussions over changes within the technical staff are still ongoing.
It is believed that Ghedin is receptive to the idea of working with an experienced coach like Farrugia as the two are known to enjoy a very good relationship.
Silvio Vella, Ghedin’s current assistant and coach of Malta U-19 , is being lined up as Farrugia’s successor.
Earlier this month, Farrugia oversaw a spirited display by the Malta U-21 team in a 2-1 home defeat to Sweden. That could well turn out to be Farrugia’s last match in charge of the Malta U-21 team.
During his first spell as U-21 coach, Farrugia served as assistant to Josif Ilic, the then Malta coach.