Lee Man president out to avoid more head coach errors, wants to spend HK$25m budget wisely
Norman Lee moving quickly to assemble squad for next season after overlooking recruitment for 2023-24 championship glory
Lee Man president Norman Lee Man-yan has taken responsibility for the club’s turbulent Hong Kong Premier League campaign and vowed to avoid a repeat of his mistakes from the past 12 months.
Champions last season, the club have burned through managers this time around, while a number of high-profile signings have flopped.
Former head coach Tsang Chiu-tat left in October, while replacement Matt Holland lasted just 13 games. Chu Siu-kei, in temporary charge for the second time, has hauled Lee Man back into the title race and, ahead of a trip to Football Club on Sunday, they are a point behind leaders Tai Po, with four games remaining.
Given what was at stake, Lee said it “wouldn’t be appropriate to disclose too many things” about his coaching team for next season.
He has “spoken to a few people who are interested in the [head coach] position”, however, and did not rule out appointing Chu permanently.
“We’re interviewing coaches from overseas and locally,” Lee said. “Last time, I made a mistake hiring the head coach. This time, I want to talk with more people and find a more suitable candidate.”