George Vella steps down as Naxxar Lions coach

George Vella has announced that he has decided to step down as coach of Premier League side Naxxar Lions.

Vella had been at the helm of Naxxar Lions for the past five-and-a-half seasons, and during his time at the helm, he led the first team to promotion to the Maltese Premier League and helped them maintain their top-flight status in each of the last three seasons.

However, this season, the Lions are experiencing a very tough campaign, which has seen the team sharing bottom place in the Bottom 6 standings with Tarxien Rainbows after a poor run of results.

The Lions have picked up just one point from their four matches and Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Gżira United turned out to be final straw for Vella who has decided to leave his post.

“After five and a half seasons at this great club, it is time to move on. I would like to thank all the current and past players, technical staff whom I consider friends, starting with my right-hand men Leslie Noel Burke, Physical Trainer Trevor Fenech, Omar Borg, for giving me this opportunity and believing in me from the start,” Vella said on his facebook page.

 “President Adrian Fenech, together with previous ones, Lino Pullicino and Pierre Sciberras, Coach Etienne Vella for his support, Adrian Ciappara for the commitment throughout, Chris Macu Mangion for his sterling work, Shaun Camilleri for his great input, Physio Bernard von Brockdorff, Clivert Burke, Dwayne Cauchi and all the committee members who were part of this club during these years.

“It’s been a great pleasure being appointed as first team coach in the Challenge League, getting promoted, and currently competing in the Malta Premier League for the third consecutive season.

“To the players, keep pushing till the end – you have the quality to do it – I hope this serves as a reset to start afresh.

“To the supporters, keep behind the team like you always did in the good and bad times. A big good luck for the rest of the season. Forza Naxxar Lions FC always.”