Coach Nguyen Ngoc Hao (L) stepped down after his V-League club Nam Dinh suffered consecutive losses. His assistant, Nguyen The Cuong (R) will replace him.

The head office of the northern V-League club Nam Dinh Monday decided to accept the resignation of head coach Nguyen Ngoc Hao.

Speaking to Thanh Nien Monday, Nam Dinh chairman Nguyen Hung Thai said, “Hao said he was too tired after suffering consecutive losses, and asked to become the club’s technical manager. For the present, deputy coach Nguyen The Cuong will replace Hao.”

Deputy Director Do Thanh Xuan of Nam Dinh Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said, “Nam Dinh’s current position at the bottom of the table is really alarming. Hao has stepped down for the sake of self-respect; but it hasn’t been all his fault.

“It’s a painful experience, but it’s not too late. Apart from changing the head coach, Nam Dinh will raise the players’ monthly salary by VND4 million (US$225) and the bonus of VND150 million ($8,400) for a win will be increased to VND200 million ($11,200).”

There are two more rounds to go in the first half of the season and Thai said Nam Dinh would try its best to turn things around in an away clash against HCMC Club at Thong Nhat Stadium this weekend.

“This match is vital for us because we would gain more confidence to prepare for the second half of the season by strengthening the club with some better players.”

Meanwhile, new head coach The Cuong just said, “Nam Dinh has nowhere to turn. We will put all our strength in the last two matches of the first half of the season against HCMC Club and Dong Thap.”

Reported by Lan Phuong