Starting in July, former Ireland coach Paul Revington will take over as the head coach of the national senior hockey team with the Champions Challenge 1 in Argentina later this year being his first assignment.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who confirmed the appointment, said former Malaysian international Arul Selvaraj will assist Revington.
Tengku Abdullah said the duo have verbally agreed to chart the future of the national team and all the details, including their contracts, will be ironed out soon.
"Revington and Arul are expected to start their coaching duties next month and their first test will be the Champions Challenge 1 in November before the World Cup Qualifiers next year
"We hope their signings will bring changes to Malaysian hockey, especially after the national team's recent dip in form and failure to qualify for major tournaments," Tengku Abdullah said in Kuantan yesterday.
He said MHC also plans to have a bigger pool of players for national duty and Revington will be given a free hand to pick the players from the Malaysia Hockey League and Razak Cup.
"The coaches will also look into the possibility of expanding the training squad and maybe have two national teams.
"We want the juniors to give priority to the Junior World Cup in New Delhi next year while the seniors can focus on other tournaments."
Revington's appointment has put to an end speculation on the candidate to replace Tai Beng Hai. Beng Hai has been appointed as the MHC coaching director.
Source: Malaysian Hockey
