U20/U21 Azkals tap Aussie World Cup vet as new coach

The Philippine Football Federation announced Monday that it has hired Australian James Fraser to take charge of the Philippine Under-20/Under-21 men's national team, via a release on their website.

PFF APPOINTS ANOTHER WORLD CUPPER AS U20/U21 HEAD COACH http://t.co/ixaU1YFJu0 pic.twitter.com/C8JvDafbMe

— The PFF (@philfootball) February 10, 2014

The PFF also appointed Marlon Maro as technical adviser, former Azkal Leigh Gun and Marlon Pinero as Fraser's assistant, and Noel Marcaida as goalkeeper coach, in preparation for the team's stint in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy tourney in August of this year.

“We welcome Coach Jim Fraser in the Philippines and we look forward to his contributions to our junior national team. Given the need for our younger teams to be more competitive, we tap the services of experts from developed footballing countries to help us inspect and scout players properly,” said PFF President Mariano Araneta in the statement.

The 65-year-old Fraser played four years professionally as keeper for St. George FC, a New South Wales club. He was also a part of Australia's World Cup team in the 1974 World Cup, tallying 10 caps from 1973 to 1974.

Fraser, who possesses a UEFA A License in Coaching, has helmed Balgownie Rangers FC, also a NSW club, and had a stint as keeper coach for Sydney FC in Australia's A-League.

"With Coach Jim’s expertise, we are optimistic that we will be able to field a competitive line-up,” added PFF General Secretary Edwin Gastanes in the same release.

Just last December, Fraser had been inducted into the Football Australia Sporting Hall of Fame.

Fraser is the second new foreign coach for the PFF this year, with his appointment coming on the heels of American Thomas Dooley being named head coach of the senior team.  - AMD, GMA News