Kenny Miller, who only joined Maccabi Tel Aviv in January as Roni Della’s assistant, is set to be presented within the next day as the club’s permanent coach for next season. According to the report, the decision was already made in principle at Kiryat Shalom, and the club informed him of its choice.
The appointment comes after Miller led Maccabi Tel Aviv to the State Cup title. Club players reportedly told management immediately after the final that they wanted Miller to stay, citing their connection to him and their trust in his professionalism. That unusual appeal from the squad played a significant role in the final decision.
New sporting director Steven Vehnaher has arrived in Israel ahead of training starting on Monday. Maccabi interviewed several candidates, including some who never came to Israel after initial talks, partly because of the security situation. Vehnaher also held a Zoom interview with Miller, and the club ultimately decided he would lead the team.
Other factors in Miller’s favor included the team’s improved form under him, his relationship with the players, his knowledge of Israeli football, and the belief that it would be difficult to bring in a higher-profile foreign coach. Miller, a former Scotland international with 19 goals for his national team and a Rangers standout, had spent much of his coaching career as an assistant, including stints in the Emirates and the United States under Della. Maccabi did not formally part ways with him when the season ended, even though his contract expired, and kept the possibility of his retention alive. The club will begin training on Monday, then hold a training camp, play the Toto Super Cup against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in less than a month, and a week later enter Europa League qualifying.
