Butcher signs with Sydney

VictaLawnMower · Post by **VictaLawnMower** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:27 am

Sydney FC unveils Butcher as new boss

Sydney FC has announced Terry Butcher as its new head coach after the recent departure of the premiership-winning Pierre Littbarski.

The former England international will guide the A-League champion for at least the next two seasons.

Butcher comes directly from coaching Scottish Premier League side Motherwell, which he took from near bankruptcy to a Scottish Cup final experience in 2005 and a high of sixth in the league.

Sydney chairman Walter Bugno says that Butcher received glowing references from former England manager Bobby Robson and Scotland boss Walter Smith.

Bugno is confident that Butcher can retain the A-League trophy and earn the club a place in the Asian Champions League next season.

Butcher said he was relishing the shift from underdog to the team to beat with his new club.

"It's great to be back as one of the favourites, or perhaps the favourite club," said Butcher.

"I was there for Rangers for many years and England of course, although it was quite a few years ago, so I am pretty much used to being under that pressure."

Bugno said that the selection process had been a rigorous one, involving countless hours of interviews and seeking of references from such luminaries as Robson and Smith.

"The reports that we received have been absolutely fabulous and we go into this relationship with a lot of confidence that the trophy is going to stay at Sydney for some time to come," Bugno said.

Ã‚Â© 2006 AAP

Gues that's one off the list then? ATB will be a very happy lad.

Post by **Earl Blue** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:29 am

Cheers for that Victa. As you say, one off the list, albeit he may
have been a Town hero, he was not amnogst the fans favourite for the Job..

I wish him every success in Oz land...

Shed on tour · Post by **Shed on tour** » Wed May 17, 2006 1:48 am

Thanks for that Victa.
Says in the EADT this morning that he was about to. Will be interesting to find out who these one or two surprising candidates are.

TODD66 · Post by **TODD66** » Wed May 17, 2006 2:33 am

Shed on tour wrote:Thanks for that Victa.
Says in the EADT this morning that he was about to. Will be interesting to find out who these one or two surprising candidates are.

Never mind the one or two - who are the other 38

40 odd applicants - I take it from that number that a few folks off here have applied

ATB · Post by **ATB** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:00 am

Yay!!

COME ON SYDNEY!!!!

That's good news... maybe his ties with ITFC could help both clubs.. loans, friendlies etc... The Australian market is probably one of the worlds fastest growing football markets..

tractorboydownunder who is a Sydney FC Bay 23 Cove supporter will also be stoked to have Butcher

squiz18 · Post by **squiz18** » Wed May 17, 2006 10:28 am

Good luck to him, Sidney is far more attractive than Ipswich right now. !

Susie · Post by **Susie** » Wed May 17, 2006 11:39 am

squiz18 wrote:Good luck to him, Sidney is far more attractive than Ipswich right now. !

I think there is no doubt about that. (by the way, who is Sidney??

).