KOTA BAHARU, Sept 18 (Bernama) — Kelantan’s Malaysia Cup hopes were dealt a severe blow with news that coach Peter James Butler had tendered his resignation with immediate effect, citing his wife’s health problem.
Kelantan Amateur Football Association (KAFA) President Tan Sri Annuar Musa who could not hide his disappointment, said the coach from England had sent his resignation letter by fax on Thursday.
“It is indeed a big blow to us in preparing for the Malaysia Cup but Peter Butler has in the letter said that his wife was very ill. We have no choice but to accept his decision,” he told reporters here Friday.
Annuar said Butler’s contract actually expires in November and KAFA had appointed his assistant Hashim Mustapha to take over while President Cup coach Kamaruddin Md Noor had also helped the Englishman.
However, rumours are rife among Kelantan fans that Butler had signed a more lucrative contract with a club side from Myanmar, Yangoon United FC.
“Butler’s presence with the Kelantan team is vital and was very meaningful because he was able to motivate the players and helped them play with a lot of commitment and pride. Hashim will continue the tactical and technical system used by him,” said Annuar.
KAFA are also expected to pay better bonus and allowances if the team did well in their Malaysia Cup campaign.
