Kenny Miller, who only joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in January as Ronny Deila’s assistant, is expected to become the club’s head coach next season after guiding the team to the State Cup title. Ynet reported that a principle decision has already been made at the club’s Kiryat Shalom training base, and Miller has been told he is the final choice.
The club’s new sporting director, Steven Veenhoren, has arrived in Israel ahead of training starting on Monday. Maccabi evaluated several candidates, including some who were interviewed but never came to Israel because of the security situation, before settling on Miller.
After the cup final, players told management they wanted Miller to stay because of their connection with him and their confidence in him professionally. That unusual player appeal reportedly played a major role in the decision. Miller has already spoken with several players and told them he had been selected.
Maccabi’s decision was also influenced by the team’s improved performances under Miller, the cup win, and the belief that it would be difficult to bring in a higher-profile foreign coach. Although Miller was a standout player for Scotland with 19 international goals and also played for Rangers, most of his coaching career until February was as an assistant, including spells in the UAE and the United States under Deila. His familiarity with Israeli football also helped. Maccabi will begin training on Monday, then head to a training camp, and within a month will face Hapoel Beersheba in the Super Cup before Europa League qualifying a week later.
