Bitter ex-Azkals coach to watch game via Web

MANILA, Philippines — Former Azkals coach Simon McMenemy, who was removed from the team by team manager Dan Palami nearly a month ago because of his lack of UEFA license, said he will watch from England his former team’s AFC Challenge Cup qualifying match against Mongolia Wednesday night.

“Nope, will watch online,” McMenemy posted on his twitter account on Monday in reply to a query whether he has The Filipino Channel (TFC) in UK.

Giant TV network ABS-CBN, which secured the exclusive coverage rights of the Azkals’ entire AFC campaign, will beam the game live via Studio 23, Balls and TFC tonight.

McMenemy, the man credited for the Azkals’ historic semifinal finish in the AFF Suzuki Cup that made the national team an overnight sensation, also revealed he isn’t connected to any team at the moment and keeps in touch with Azkals.

“No, I'm not signed to any contract, I'm free and available,” McMenemy, whose contract with the Azkals lapsed last December, but was not renewed, continued. “Yeah I stay in touch with all the players.”

The 33-year-old defensive-minded coach McMenemy was also asked if he could be the Azkals game commentator on twitter, but he politely declined saying: “I'd love too but not this game.”

A former assistant manager at Worthing, a low tier English football club, McMenemy parted ways with the Azkals on a sour note after he learned of his termination through a leak in social networking website.

“I’m really disappointed not in being replaced but the lack of respect. I don’t deserve that,” McMenemy reportedly posted on his Twitter account. “Really disappointed. No call, e-mail, text, nothing.”

Palami paid tribute to McMenemy’s great job, but he said the Englishman could no longer continue because he has no UEFA license, which is a requirement for the AFC qualifiers.