Source: Daily_Mail
Bangkok Bryan! Robson agrees four-year deal to become Thailand boss
Bryan Robson has agreed a four-year deal to become Thailand's new manager, the head of the country's FA has announced.
The 52-year-old will fill the vacancy left by former incumbent Peter Reid, who departed by mutual consent 12 months into a four-year contract to take up the post of assistant manager at Stoke after being told he could not split his time between England and the south-east Asian nation.
Robson's immediate task in his first foray into international management will be to build on the good work done previously by Reid and guide the nation to a place in the Asian Cup finals in Qatar in 2011, with Thai FA chief Worawi Makudi also targeting a place at the 2014 World Cup.
"He's agreed to become coach, he's very happy with what we've offered him," Worawi told reporters.
"It's a four-year deal. The plan is he'll coach Thailand for the Asian Cup, the Olympics and hopefully the World Cup, too."
Robson's previous managerial experience has included spells at Middlesbrough, Sheffield United, Bradford and West Brom.
It remains unclear how much time he will spend in the country and whether he will continue his role as global ambassador for former club Manchester United.
Thailand are currently third in Asian Cup Qualifying Group E with two points from two games following draws with Jordan and Iran.
Robson confirmed he was yet to formally sign a contract but does not envisage any last-minute problems.
"It is just the minor details that we need to work out," he said. "It is more or less 100 per cent with Thailand but I haven't signed the contract. However, when I go back to England we'll get it done.
"It is for four years but with an 18-month guarantee. The option of the contract is for a minimum of 18 months and that is going to be OK.
Robson also revealed he would not be bringing in his own backroom staff, preferring to work with current number two Steve Darby and former Thailand striker Kiatisak "Zico" Senamuang.
"I am quite happy with Steve Darby," he added. "Peter Reid said that he is very good.
"He knows all the Thai players, which is very important for me. He is very well organised. That is why I want to work with Steve and Zico will work alongside him."
Thailand have made a steady start to their qualifying campaign for the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar after securing draws against Jordan and Iran.
