Sundram steps down as Singapore’s head coach

The head coach of the Singapore national football team, V Sundramoorthy, has stepped from his job, announced the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) in a media release on Monday.

“It has been an honour to have been given the opportunity to lead the national team. It has been an incredible learning experience for me and I have fond memories of working with the players and my colleagues at the FAS,' said Sundram, who took the job in May 2016.

'I am also grateful to the support given by the FAS Council, the players as well as the fans, and I wish the team the very best as they go on to prepare for the Suzuki Cup later this year.”

Substandard stint

After two years of poor results (three wins from 22 official matches), the 52-year-old agreed to leave his post by mutual consent.

During his stint, the Lions were ranked 173th in Fifa’s world ranking in October last year – their lowest position ever.

Sundram’s record includes Singapore failing to qualify for the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup and a finish at the bottom of the 2019 Asian Cup qualification standings.

Last month, the Lions ended a 16-month winless drought with a 3-2 victory over the Maldives.

FAS recognizes Sundram’s effort

FAS President Lim Kia Tong thanked Sundram for his contributions to the national side.

‘The role of the head coach of our national team is a demanding task and we recognise that Sundram gave his all in that role,’ he said.

‘We extend our appreciation to Sundram for his contributions to the national team and wish him all the best as he pursues other opportunities,’ Lim added.

According to FAS, an announcement on Sundram’s replacement will be made ‘in due course’.