History-making Chan Yuen-ting full of tears as she steps down as Eastern coach
The first female coach of a champion men’s team will take up a minor role with the club after failing to help the side win any silverware this season
Teary-eyed Chan Yuen-ting has decided to step down as Eastern coach almost 12 months to the day since she earned world fame as the first woman to lead a club to a top-tier men’s league title.
Last season, Chan was on cloud nine, winning the Hong Kong Premier League title plus the Senior Shield and receiving a trophy-case laden with accolades ranging from the Asian Football Confederation to the Guinness Book of Records.
But how things have changed for the 28-year-old over the course of a year. Now she said she was quitting the club as head coach to take up a much less challenging role with the former champions.
The celebrated coach said her decision came after “failing to lead her club to any silverware” in the just-concluded season.
Speaking after Eastern wrapped up their season with a 3-0 victory over Southern in the Playoff Cup final on Saturday at Mong Kok Stadium, Chan broke the news – and almost broke down in tears – saying she still remains committed to Eastern and will stay on as a member of the club’s coaching staff next season. She will be replaced by former player Szeto Man-chiu in the top job.
