Joe Attard, one of the best football coaches in the history of Maltese football, has passed away, aged 77.

His coaching first assignment was with Żejtun Corinthians in the Third Division. Then he took on Marsa in the Second Division before he was appointed Malta’s National Coach in season 1968-69.

In 1970-71 he was encouraged by Fr Hillary Tagliaferro to take the control of Hibernians FC. It was his first assignment with the Paolites and during that season, Hibs won the FA Trophy and the Sons of Malta Cup.

Between 1971 and 1973 he coached Żurrieq leading them to the Third Division title. In 1974 Fr Hilary persuaded him to help coach his youngsters at the Educational Sports Centre. Joe stayed for three seasons at the Centre, unselfishly leaving the professional game behind him.

In 1978-79 he was back in league football with Msida St Joseph. The next season he took over at Hibernians from George Busuttil and led the team to an FA Trophy victory in 1979-80 and the league championship in 1980-81. This was the best period in Joe Attard’s coaching career. In 1984-85 he took Birkirkara to the Premier Division before settling down to lecturing and coaching at nursery level.

Joe Attard was also National Coach for the friendly international match played by Malta against Austria on April 27, 1969. Malta lost the match 1-3.

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