Kocaman extends Fenerbahce contract by three years

Mar 14, 2012 11:20:00 AM

The Turkish coach has signed a new deal at the Istanbul club and will attempt to rebuild the side's tarnished image after last year's match-fixing scandal

Turkish giants Fenerbahce have extended the contract of coach Aykut Kocaman for three years in a signing ceremony held at the Sukru Saracoglu stadium on Tuesday.

The ex-Turkey international took charge of the Istanbul club in 2010 and guided them to the domestic league title in his first campaign at the helm, but the outfit was then embroiled in match-fixing allegations that saw them kicked out of this season's Champions League.

Announcing the contract extension, board member Ali Yildirim praised Kocaman, saying he had stood strong when the team was going through turbulent times in the face of the recent controversy.

"Today is an important day," the executive told the club's official website.

"Aykut Kocaman will be here for three more years. He's been with us since July 3 with all the difficulties, the legal process. But Fenerbahce's name will be cleared."

The coach also made a statement admitting that he is pleased with his new deal, and thanking to the side's board for their backing.

"I'd like to thank all of the board of directors, including Aziz Yildirim [president, currently on trial], for all the support through the good times and bad," he commented.

Fenerbahce are currently second in the Super Lig table, trailing rivals Galatasaray by nine points with four rounds left to play.

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