New Stags coach Noh Plumps for Sensible Approach

Be it in defence or midfield, Noh Rahman was used to being deployed wherever the team needed him during his playing days. It is the same for him as a coach, as he steps into the void to replace Akbar Nawas.

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The 45-year-old was appointed BG Tampines Rovers head coach on Sept 12, a day after the Singapore Premier League (SPL) side mutually parted ways with Akbar, 49, in a surprise move just three games into the season.

This will be Noh's first gig as a full-time head coach. The former Lion will lead the Stags until the end of the campaign.

The national assistant coach told The Straits Times: "This happened quite quickly, so I didn't really have much time to process my thoughts.

"But obviously, having been a fitness coach and an assistant coach for a few years, there is a desire to become a head coach one day.

"The opportunity has unexpectedly come along now, and after discussions with the club about our expectations, I felt it was the right time to take it up. I can humbly say that I'm ready for this test, and I'm excited to carry on the good work of my predecessors."

It will not be long before his first test against Tanjong Pagar United in the SPL on Sept 13. Matches will then come thick and fast with an AFC Champions League Two group game against Kaya-Iloilo five days later on Sept 18 and an Asean Club Championship group tie against Selangor on Sept 24.

Aware that some players may be affected with a third head coach taking charge in a matter of months - Gavin Lee left the club after finishing second last season, before Akbar took over - Noh has wasted no time in rallying the troops.