English League Two club Salford City has appointed former Malaysia national team head coach Peter Cklamovski as their new manager on a long-term contract.
The decision follows the dismissal of Karl Robinson after the club's defeat in the League Two play-off final.
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Data-Driven Selection
Chief executive Gavin Fleig, who spent 17 years with the City Football Group, led the selection process.
He used data metrics and his professional network to identify Cklamovski as the outstanding candidate.
Fleig noted that Cklamovski cancelled his return flight to Malaysia within an hour of their first conversation to begin face-to-face negotiations.
"Through all those steps and everyone we've spoken to, Peter was the outstanding candidate on all the metrics that are important to us," Fleig said.
Cklamovski, 47, had been under contract with the Football Association of Malaysia until the end of the year.
His contract was mutually terminated amid a FIFA naturalization controversy.
Manager's Philosophy
Cklamovski described his approach as "process driven, evidence-based." He emphasized a focus on daily improvement and team performance.
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"If you have the mentality to get better every day, you have a process to it and focus on how you can execute strong team performances, results will follow no matter what part of the world you're in," he said.
The Australian previously served as an assistant to Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou for 15 years. He also managed Japanese clubs Shimizu S-Pulse, Montedio Yamagata, and FC Tokyo.
Cklamovski remains in contact with Postecoglou, who has provided feedback on his coaching journey.
First Day at Peninsula Stadium
During his first full day at Peninsula Stadium, Cklamovski focused on administrative duties and familiarizing himself with club personnel.
He did not consult co-owners Gary Neville or David Beckham.
"I'm not here to have a holiday. I'm here to achieve success," Cklamovski said.
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"The club's got lofty ambitions and big dreams. It's something I'm really hungry to chase."
