Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Manama: Bahrain’s AFC Asian Cup 2015 preparations have been dealt a blow with news that head coach Anthony Hudson has left his position ahead of a move to New Zealand.
The Bahrain Football Association (BFA) met on Friday to discuss Hudson's future, but later confirmed that former Under-23 coach Adrian Whitbread would assume control of the national side with immediate effect.
A statement issued by the BFA also revealed that they had referred Hudson’s resignation letter, which was received last Sunday, to their legal representatives.
Hudson, who guided Bahrain’s Under-23’s to the 2013 Gulf Cup of Nations title, was appointed head coach of the national team in August 2013 and had signed a new two-year deal earlier this year.
Football New Zealand had hoped to unveil Hudson as Ricki Herbert’s successor on Thursday, but were forced to postpone the announcement, and, given the legalities surrounding the Englishman’s appointment, have yet to confirm when the 33-year-old will arrive in New Zealand
Bahrain will begin their AFC Asian Cup 2015 campaign on January 11 when they face Iran in an eagerly anticipated Group C clash. They then play the UAE four days later, before completing their group fixtures against Qatar on January 19.
Photo:AFP