Coaching change looms for Azkals ahead of Suzuki Cup

MANILA — The Philippine Azkals are leaning toward a new direction for the remainder of 2018.

Multiple reports said that the team is tapping the services of England’s Terry Butcher as its new head coach with a few months to go before the AFF Suzuki Cup.

Butcher began his playing career with hometown squad Ipswich in 1976, but his career went full bloom in 1986 when he moved to Scottish powerhouse Rangers.

The central defender starred for England in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, when the team made its way into the semifinals, its deepest run in the tournament since becoming the champion in 1966, and more prominently in the qualifiers, especially in a crucial match against Sweden – where he played a full match despite having a deep cut on his forehead early on.

While his stint as coach is not as stellar as his previous stint, Butcher had some bright moments on the sidelines, especially in 2013 when he brought Inverness to the Scottish second-tier league title, earning the club promotion to the Scottish Premier League.

Butcher was actually considered for the Global Cebu job in 2017 before the club settled for Japanese mentor Toshiaki Imai.

Once formalized through a press conference later Thursday at Solaire in Parañaque, Butcher will become the first Englishman to take over the Philippine men’s football team in 55 years.