Darren Abdilla replaces Mauro Camoranesi as Floriana FC coach

Floriana FC have appointed Darren Abdilla as their new first-team coach.

The former Gżira United and Valletta coach fills in the void left by Mauro Camoranesi as the Greens did not extend the former World Cup winner’s contract.

“Floriana Football Club would like to announce the appointment of Darren Abdilla as our new Head Coach,” the Premier League club said in a statement.

“We welcome Darren with great anticipation and look forward to an exciting season ahead under his leadership.

“Let’s unite behind Darren and the team as we strive for success!”

Abdilla has been without a club since last January when he decided to step down as coach of Gżira United.

With the Maroons, Abdilla had made a name for himself by transforming the side into a genuine challenger for a European berth.

His major achievement with Gżira United arrived in the UEFA Conference League last summer when despite losing a number of key players he still managed to lead the team in the third qualifying round of the competition for a second successive season.

Floriana have long been after the services of Abdilla.

In fact, last season the Greens had targeted Abdilla for the first-team coach but talks fell through as Gżira United refused to let him leave the club.

Now, Floriana have managed to get their man and Abdilla is now expected to lead the team in the upcoming season.

He is expected to start his work next month when he leads pre-season training, in preparation of Floriana’s commitments in the UEFA Conference League.