Press Releases ● Sep 03, 2015
Guy Martens Appointed As Consulting Goalkeeper Coach
SINGAPORE, 3 SEPTEMBER 2015: The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is pleased to announce that it has appointed Guy Martens as Consulting Goalkeeper Coach on a short-term contract until the end of this year.
The 56-year-old Belgian, who left Belgian Pro League club KRC Genk in June after almost 25 years, is renowned as the goalkeeper coach who developed Chelsea FC’s Thibaut Courtois and many others such as Sinan Bolat, László Köteles and Logan Bailly.
“Upon learning that Guy had left Genk, we contacted him to discuss the possibility of him taking up the role of a Consulting Goalkeeper Coach at FAS. He was extremely excited after I shared with him an overview of the Federation’s vision and plans. To have someone of his stature coaching our goalkeepers in Singapore and guiding our goalkeeper coaches would be tremendously beneficial to us. His experience is invaluable and we are delighted to welcome him to Singapore,” said FAS Technical Director Michel Sablon.
“Like any forward-looking organisation, FAS is always striving to strengthen the capabilities of our management and technical personnel which would better position us to tackle the challenges in an ever-changing environment and also to bring the organisation to the next level,” added Zainudin Nordin, President, FAS.
“The recent partnership deal with MP & Silva provided us with the additional resources to bring on board a top class technical director in Michel Sablon in early April and Richard Tardy, Head Coach РYouth National Teams.
“We are pleased to welcome Guy Martens who, like Richard, will work with Michel to further enhance the training and development of our goalkeepers across various age-group teams. Guy has a proven track record in developing goalkeepers and he will also play a key role in training our goalkeeper coaches.
“Going forward, we will continue to work towards securing the support of our key partners and thereafter bring on board more personnel with a strong track record to further facilitate the progress of local football in all aspects,” he affirmed.
“I had intended to take a break after 25 years of coaching, but when Michel contacted me and shared with me about the exciting plans in place for Singapore football, I decided to take up the offer on a short-term basis. I have also spoken to my contacts in Europe and Asia and everyone has the same view about FAS – and that is the professionalism of the Federation and the exemplary leadership and qualities of its management team. I could have remained in Europe but I decided to take up this challenge as I strongly believe in the vision and direction of the Singapore Federation. I acknowledge that the Federation faces some challenges including limitations in budget but I believe its strong leadership and visionary programmes will result in success. I look forward to playing my part in bringing Singapore football to the next level, especially in terms of guiding its goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches,” said Martens.
Martens had been touted as a potential addition to Chelsea FC’s coaching staff after he left KRC Genk, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois quoted in the media as having recommended his signing to the club.
“Singapore will definitely benefit from having Guy on board. He is the best goalkeeper coach I have ever worked with, and I learnt everything from him. He is very special and committed, and helped me improve as a player. I am sure he will improve any goalkeeper he works with in Singapore as well.”
“I would have loved to work with him again, but I am happy for him that he is going on a new adventure in Singapore. Based on what I have heard from him, it will be an exciting journey and I wish him and those he will work with all the best,” asserted Courtois.
Guy Martens will report to Technical Director Michel Sablon.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
