SINGAPORE, 2 MAY 2019 – The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) today unveiled Mr Joseph Palatsides as the man to guide Singapore football forward in his new role of Technical Director.

 

The Australian, whose appointment took effect yesterday (1 May), was presented at a press conference on Thursday afternoon at Jalan Besar Stadium. He has signed a two-year contract, with the option of a two-year extension.

 

The 53-year-old will oversee the development of Singapore football in all aspects, which includes the national age-group teams, grassroots and women’s football as well as help to strengthen the youth development and coaching structures.

 

A well-regarded name in youth development in Australian football circles, former Socceroo Palatsides made his mark at top A-League side Melbourne City FC and headed the club’s academy, which he established.

 

“I am excited and feel privileged to be appointed to this role and I want to thank the FAS Council for trusting me,” he said. “I was very fortunate during my time to work with City Football Group and theirs is a philosophy I really believe in, and something I want to share with Singapore football going forward.

 

“I had a very productive meeting with the coaches earlier and I believe everyone shares the same vision: a beautiful style of football the fans can get excited about.”

 

FAS President Mr Lim Kia Tong noted that Palatsides has helped to develop many City academy players into first-team players, some whom have been capped at international level – like rising Australia star Daniel Arzani – and is confident he will be an asset to Singapore football.

 

“With Joe’s vast experience, we hope to enhance our system with a clear philosophy and methodology so that every player and team are aligned to the National cause,” he said. “This will have to be supported by the best coaches and coaching programmes.”

 

The Melbourne native added that he will not make wholesale changes to the foundations laid down by his predecessor Mr Michel Sablon, who left FAS in December 2018.

 

“My job is to review them all to see what has worked really well and some that might not have… I’ll tweak things if necessary going forward but at this point in time, the base is there for us to grow and get better,” he said.

 

The new man in town is raring to tackle the challenges in this new chapter of his career.

 

“When I spoke to the council, we shared the same vision of how we see Singapore football (moving forward),” Palatsides said. “I am very honoured that I was selected and that’s why I am so excited – I see Singapore football as a sleeping giant.”