Darren Abdilla returns as coach of Gżira United

Gżira United have named Darren Abdilla as their new first team coach, the Times of Malta can confirm.

During the past 24 hours, the Maroons have been looking to find a new first-team coach following the resignation of Clive Mizzi on Sunday.

Mizzi decided to step down from his job following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Żabbar St Patrick that left the team rooted to the bottom of the standings with three points, and still without a win in seven outings.

The Premier League outfit’s top hierarchy turned their attention to their former coach, Darren Abdilla, to make a return to the club for a third stint at the club.

Abdilla had been named as Gżira United coach in 2014 and remained there until 2019 when he decided to join Valletta FC.

However, his spell with Valletta came to an end in February 2020, and the following summer he returned to Gżira United.

During his second spell, Abdilla helped the club to reach the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League in back-to-back campaigns in 2022 and 2023.

Abdilla decided to part ways with Gżira United in January 2024, and the following summer, he was appointed as the new head coach of Floriana FC.

With the Greens, Abdilla lasted just one season, during which he helped the club reach the Malta Premier League Top Four play-offs, where he was beaten by Ħamrun Spartans in a penalty shoot-out.

It is understood that Abdilla will take charge of the team’s first training session on Monday afternoon ahead of Thursday’s clash against Mosta at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.