Former Melbourne Victory coach Ernie Merrick has been appointed as the new manager of the Hong Kong national team.
The Scottish-born tactician will start his new role on January 9 after he was sacked by the Victory in March following six years with Melbourne.
Merrick, who led the Victory to two A-League championship/premiership doubles, is looking forward to helping the state of football in Hong Kong after the national team slipped from 90 to 168 in FIFA rankings since 1996.
"I feel extremely privileged and honoured to have the opportunity and over the last few weeks I have been hugely encouraged to learn about the exciting plans to develop and grow football in Hong Kong," he said.