Levy hired by Haifa

Maccabi Haifa FC have appointed Ronni Levy as their new coach to replace Itzhak Shum.

Good news
Levy, the club's youth coach, is in Argentina on a scouting mission, but was told the news by club owner Ya'acov Schahar. The 37-year-old former midfield player has headed to South America in the hope of finding new talent to strengthen Haifa's chances of success in the 2003/04 UEFA Cup, after they finished the last campaign as Israel's runners-up.

Israeli appointment
It had been thought the club would look to a foreign coach to replace Shum, who was appointed by Panathinaikos FC earlier this month. However, they decided to hand the reins to Levy after he guided the club's youngsters to two major trophies in 2002/03.

Chance deserved
"I can admit that the only foreign option we did consider is currently not available and therefore not relevant," said Schahar. "I never had any doubts that Ronni is the right man for the job. He is a product of our youth system and worthy of leading the first team to win trophies."

Tuesday return
Speaking from Argentina, Levy who spent seven matches as caretaker following the resignation of Eli Cohen in the 1999/00 season, said: "I am delighted and hope to justify the appointment. I will return to Israel on Tuesday as I'm still looking at two more players."

International class
Levy joined Haifa as a player from Maccabi Netanya in 1992 after winning the league with Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv two years earlier. In 1994, he was a key man as Haifa won the league title but had to retire through injury three years later. In all, he made 144 appearances for Haifa and won 16 caps for Israel.

Title relinquished
In 2002/03, Haifa reached the UEFA Cup third round only to lose 8-1 on aggregate to AEK Athens FC after becoming the first Israeli team to compete in the UEFA Champions League. They then finished second in Israel, losing their hold on the title to Maccabi Tel-Aviv on goal difference.