Kenny Miller was formally appointed head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv after leading the club to the State Cup title. Miller joined the club only in January as an assistant to Ronny Deila, but the club had already reached a principle decision last week in Kiryat Shalom to keep the Scottish coach on the sideline next season, and the final call was then delivered to him.
The decision came after a series of candidates were reviewed, including some who were interviewed but never came to Israel, in part because of the security situation. The club’s new sporting director, Steven Vanheren, arrived in Israel ahead of training camp and conducted a Zoom interview with Miller. The players’ immediate message to management after the cup final, saying they wanted Miller to stay because of their connection to him and their professional trust in him, also weighed heavily.
Miller, 46, had a playing career highlighted by 19 goals for Scotland and spells at Rangers, but his coaching career until February consisted mainly of assistant roles, including work in the United Arab Emirates and the United States under Deila. Maccabi kept him on after the season even though his contract expired, and the club said his knowledge of Israeli football helped secure the appointment. The deal is for next season with an option for one more year.
Maccabi has already started training and will later hold a camp. In less than a month it faces Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Toto Super Cup, and a week after that it will begin its Europa League qualifying campaign. The club said Miller's leadership brought “character, determination and mental resilience” en route to the cup, while owner Micky Goldhar praised his professionalism, work ethic and understanding of the club's standards. Miller said it is “a great honor” to be named head coach and thanked Goldhar, Jack Angelides, Vanheren and the club. The staff will also include Dean Keyley, Avi Rikan and new assistant Stuart Taylor.
