By FARIK ZOLKEPLI (The Star) – KUALA TERENGGANU: Newly-appointed Terengganu coach Peter Butler aims to transform the Turtles into an attacking machine. 

The 46-year-old Englishman subscribes to the philosophy that offence is the best defence. 

“That’s what I have always brought to the teams I coach. I intend to adopt the same strategy with Terengganu,” he said after the contract signing ceremony at the FA headquarters here yesterday. 

“Terengganu have a good set of players so I don’t foresee making too many changes.” 

Butler, who rejoined his previous Indonesian club Persiba Balikpapan after quitting Kelantan earlier in the year, has signed an 18-month contract effective June 1 with Terengganu FA. 

He replaces Mat Zan Mat Aris who resigned after being told to take a break following a string of poor results in the Super League and FA Cup. 

FA president Datuk Che Mat Jusoh said the team management believed Butler is the man to steer Terengganu to glory this season. 

“Peter was among four coaches considered for the job.  

“We opted for him as he has the right experience to bring us success,” said Che Mat. 

“Furthermore, he can speak Malay, which will make it easier for him to communicate with the players, who are happy to have him as coach.” 

Butler will oversee the training with immediate effect but he can’t take his place on the bench until he officially takes over from June 1. 

A disciplinarian who brooks no nonsense, Terengganu will be his third team this season after brief spells with Kelantan and Indonesian Super League side Persiba Balikpapan. 

“I’m committed to Terengganu for the long-term,” said Butler. “The situation with my two previous teams was different in terms of the personalities and politics involved. 

“Those who don’t understand will criticise me for switching clubs often.” 

Butler guided Persiba from 12th place to fourth during his stint there. 

On his target for Terengganu, Butler hopes the Turtles will win all their 10 remaining matches in the Super League. 

“The 30 points will elevate the team to a more deserving position in the league. I want them to realise their true potential.” 

Butler, who played for English sides West Ham and West Brom, has extensive coaching experience with teams such as Sabah, Singapore Armed Forces FC and Australian side Sorrento FC. 

 

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