Mark Milligan has been appointed assistant coach of the Malaysia national team.
The A-Leagues great and former Adelaide United assistant will be Peter Cklamovski’s right-hand man with the world number 132 amid the Australian influx in Malaysia.
New boss Cklamovski – Ange Postecoglou’s former assistant and an ex-Perth Glory, Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory coach in the A-Leagues, also has Craig Duncan in his coaching setup as head of high performance and sports medicine after arriving from J1 League outfit FC Tokyo to lead a new and exciting era in Malaysian football.
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Ex-Macarthur Bulls assistant Matt Smith is also reportedly set to join Cklamovski’s staff.
“I’ve always been very passionate about football but also very passionate about my journey as a coach,” Milligan told FAMTV Malaysia.
“When the opportunity came, it was a chance for myself to progress in my own career. It’s also a chance to be part of something very exciting.
“When coach Peter first approached me, it was a very easy decision. The project is extremely exciting moving forward. The way we see the game, it’s a good fit with Malaysian football.”
Former Subway Socceroos captain Milligan added: “Not just myself but all of Peter’s staff were picked for a reason.
“I think the way I see the game and coach the game, it will help bring Peter’s vision to life for the football in this country.
“My main role will to support that. It’s very important we’re on the same page.
“The day-to-day workings are extremely important and I have an important job in being able to bring Peter’s vision to life.”
Milligan – an A-Leagues champion with Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory – brings a wealth of experience to his role.
While the 39-year-old played in the UK with Hibernian and Southend United, he made a name for himself in Asia through the likes of Chinese giants Shanghai Shenhua, Saudi powerhouse Al Ahli and Baniyas in the United Arab Emirates.
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“I’ve been fortunate to experience a lot of through my career and a lot of that football has been through Asia,” said Milligan.
“My understanding of the region and the football that’s played in Asia will be very helpful.
“Obviously experiences in big tournaments and playing in different climates. While we will be heavily focused on the way we want our team to play, I think an understanding of how the rest of the region works will be very helpful in not only preparing but being successful.”
