Smith to get cracking (The Malay Mail)

RONALD SMITH, Malaysia's new director of coaching, is looking forward to a
working arrangement that will benefit Malaysian soccer.
 Smith, contacted in Ipoh after the Charity Shield match between Johor
and Perak, said: "The next step for me is to meet FAM officials to discuss
my terms of employment.
 "We had initial discussions recently and generally decided on several
things if I were to be hired. We will have to work out the details now."
 FAM deputy-president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who chaired the
FAM Council meeting yesterday at Wisma FAM, said they will meet soon to
work out the specifics with Smith.
 "We have met Smith and his present employers (Johor FA). He is keen to
take up the job while Johor FA have agreed to release him to FAM."
 Smith, who first came to Malaysia in 1996 coached Sabah until 1997,
before joining Johor FC last year. He was also appointed the director of
coaching by the Johor FA.
 Smith, who turns 50 on May 5th, is excited by the challenge ahead of
him.
 "Having worked in youth development for a long time in Australia, I am
on familiar ground," said Smith, who was the head coach of the Australian
Institute of Sports from 1986-1996.
 "I am looking forward to establishing more coaches to work at the youth
level which is the foundation for the future."
 "I must have very specific duties and not be involved in too many things
as I may not be able to make an impact."
 "But I am sure we can come up with a good arrangement to benefit
Malaysian soccer," said Smith.
 Smith has a Bachelor of Education degree from the Canberra College of
Advanced Education in 1985 and a Certificate in Education majoring in
physical education attained in England in 1971.
 His coaching qualifications include the English FA Full Award (1973),
Australian Soccer Federation Staff Coach (1975), English FA Coaching
Licence (1875), Fifa Instructor for Oceania (1980) and Australian Coaching
Council Level 3 (1988).
 His vast experience with youth teams at the Australian Institute of
Sports makes him perfect for the job.
 Smith played for the Tottenham Hotspur youth team in 1966 and several
league clubs in Australia from 1971-1974.
 He has organised coaching courses and seminars while with AIS.
 He was the Director of Coaching in Queensland (1980-1982) and Victoria
(1975-1978).
 Smith has also assisted former Australian national coach Eddie Thomson
on numerous occasions.
 On the duration of Smith's tenure, Tengku Abdullah said: "We will offer
him a one-year contract with an option for another year."
 Although the tenure seems short, especially as it involves development
work, Tengku Abdullah said it was just an initial move.
 "With Smith's track record and his involvement with youth development, I
am confident he will do a good job and we can look forward to a longer
stint."
 Tengku Abdullah said Smith will basically be involved in the development
of coaches, youth teams (Under-19, Under-17 and Under-15) and keep tabs on
the Academy coaches under Lim Teong Kim.
 Tengku Abdullah said Smith will be required to come up with a blueprint
of the programmes and work he intends to do.
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