Abdullayev lands full-time job

First away point
Abdullayev took charge of the national team in October 2002 following the resignation of Vagif Sadygov. He became a national hero in February when the country won their first-ever away point in a competitive match, drawing 2-2 in Serbia and Montenegro in a UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier. Even so, the Azeris sit bottom of Group 9 with one point from five games.

Aiming high
The success in Serbia and Montenegro played a major part in the decision of the Football Federations of Azerbaijan to appoint Abdullayev to the role permanently. "My aim is to help the team finish the qualifying round in style," said the coach, who will oversee the final three games of the qualifying campaign.

New league
Abdullayev said he hoped Azerbaijan's current suspension from international football would be lifted, allowing him to concentrate on the task in hand. Azeri football will receive a much needed boost this weekend, however, when the country's new domestic league starts after more than a year of off-the-field wrangling. "The good thing is that the championship is starting and in such conditions it will be easier to look at players for the national team," Abdullayev added.

All change
While Abdullayev is staying, Azerbaijan's Under-21 coach Valeri Gadzhiyev has been released from his position after failing to win a point so far in qualifying for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. The Under-17 coach Yashar Vakhabzade, a former Azeri international, has been appointed in his place. In turn, Arif Amirkhanov has taken the vacant U17 position.