It has been more than a year since Leeds United villain Harry Kewell was last employed as a manager, but that spell has come to an end with a bizarre move to South East Asia.
Kewell should be remembered fondly for his seven years in the Leeds United first team, scoring 63 goals in 242 appearances for the Yorkshire giants. But he ruined it, when he made the move to Galatasaray.
He did it having jumped ship to Liverpool in the summer of 2003, when Leeds’ financial problems had begun to emerge under Peter Ridsdale. Five years later, he made himself an enemy of Leeds supporters.
Since retiring, Kewell has entered the world of management but endured some difficult spells in English football, including a seven-game spell with Barnet. Now, Kewell is back in management, over in Vietnam.
Harry Kewell reacts after taking bizarre new job in Vietnam
The former Leeds star has been appointed as manager of Vietnamese side Hanoi FC, replacing Japanese gaffer Yusuke Adachi, who lasted less than three weeks in charge of the six-time Vietnam league winners.
It sees Kewell return to management for the first time in 15 months, having left Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos in July 2024, which was Ange Postecoglou’s old side before he made the move to Celtic.
Kewell posted an official statement on Instagram after being unveiled as Hanoi FC manager this week. He underlined his delight to have taken on the role, as he looks to deliver a seventh league title for Hanoi.
He said: “I’m honoured to be joining Hanoi FC as Head Coach. Excited for the journey ahead and grateful for the warm welcome. Together, we’ll work hard to bring success and make the fans proud.”
Robbie Keane and Celtic star linked with Leeds react to news
Kewell had been working as a pundit before his return to management, recently praising Sean Longstaff for his performance against Newcastle. But now, he enters the world of management for the sixth time.
Plenty responded to the news on his Instagram post, including Robbie Keane. Keane himself has taken some obscure jobs as manager, guiding Hungarian side Ferencvaros to 25 wins in just 42 matches.
Celtic striker Daizen Maeda, who was loosely linked with Leeds in the summer, also responded to the news after Kewell worked on the Celtic coaching staff recently. His first game is on October 18.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
