User:Dabdilla/sandbox/Darren Abdilla

Darren Abdilla

Darren Abdilla (born 10 July 1979) is a Maltese professional football manager. He is currently managing Gzira United in the Maltese Premier League

Early career
Darren Abdilla started his coaching career in 2003 after he had to quit playing due to a persistent back injury. He started as an Assistant coach with St Georges FC, assisting Edward Darmanin. After two seasons with the Blues, both coaches joined B'Bugia FC. In season 2006/2007, Darren joined the Malta Football Association as one of the regional coaches.

In season 2007/2008, it was the first season as Head Coach, when Darren joined B'Bugia FC. Then he spent two years with Floriana as the Nursery Head Coach, followed by seasons with Vittoriosa FC, M'Xlokk FC and Ghaxaq FC with the senior teams and another two years with Hibernians FC as the Nursery Head Coach

Valletta FC
In June 2014, Darren joined the Maltese Champions Valleta FC as an assistant coach to famous Maltese player Gilbert Agius. Valletta FC played against Qarabag FC in the UEFA Champions League. In November of the same year, Darren had to step down due to change in the coaching staff.

Gzira United
On 14 November 2014, Darren Abdilla became new head coach of Gzira United in the first division. During that season the club played a promotional decider against Mosta FC which the team lost. During season 2015/2016, the club became Champions of the Maltese First Division and promoted to the Maltese Premier Division, without a single defeat. In the first Premier League appearance of Gzira United after 34 years, the club decided to appoint Branko Nisevic as Head coach with Darren staying on as an Assistant coach, but in November 2016, Darren took over as Head coach, and the team finish in a 7th place. In season 2017/2018, Darren started his 4th season with the club.

Managerial

 * Maltese First Division: 2015/2016