Anorthosis announce Middendorp arrival
Thursday, May 7, 2009
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Deposed Cypriot champions Anorthosis Famagusta FC have named the much-travelled 50-year-old Ernst Middendorp as their new coach after an attempt to appoint another German, Ewald Lienen, fell through.
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Anorthosis Famagusta FC have named Ernst Middendorp as their new coach after the deal to appoint Ewald Lienen broke down.
Unanimous decision
Anorthosis chairman Chris Georgiades made the announcement on Thursday, revealing that the 50-year-old had agreed a one-year deal with the option for a further 12 months. He said: "During today's board meeting, it was unanimously decided that German coach Ernst Middendorp was the most suitable candidate for job ahead of the 2009/10 season with a year's option."
Much-travelled coach
On 29 April, Anorthosis reached an agreement with Lienen but the deal fell through a few days later. Lienen had been drafted in to replace Temuri Ketsbaia, who resigned for personal reasons in mid April. Middendorp, who made his name during three spells at DSC Arminia Bielefeld, has also coached in Ghana, Iran, South Africa and China.
Domestic form
Anorthosis made history this season when they progressed through three qualifying rounds – eliminating SK Rapid Wien and Olympiacos CFP on the way – to become the first Cypriot club to qualify for the UEFA Champions League group stage, but their impressive run in Europe did not help their domestic form. They sit 16 points adrift of newly-crowned champions APOEL FC with one game remaining and have failed to beat any of their title rivals this season.
