Former professional footballer who played for Cardiff City, Swansea City, and Hull City Rob Sherman has been appointed as the head coach of the Digicel national football team.
His appointment comes after the expiration of English coach Fleming Serristlev’s contract early this year.
Fiji FA president Rajesh Patel while making the announcement said Sherman comes with a wealth of experience.
“We are happy that he accepted our offer because he has a wealth of experience as a player, coach, and consultant,” said Patel.
“He serves as Technical Director of the Football Federation Australia and worked for various national teams in the Oceania Football Confederation.
“Sherman has signed a three-year contract with the Fiji Football Association,” said Patel
Sherman said he was delighted to join Fiji Football.
“I’m delighted to be involved with such a progressive association, I feel the board has got the balance right between development and performance and I’m excited as I believe with regular contact the team has the potential to be highly competitive in the region and push for one of the 1.5 qualifying spots for the 2026 World Cup,” said Sherman
“This year will be about getting to know the players and 2024 about creating that competitive winning habit in preparation for the 2025 qualifiers.”
One of Sherman’s first major tournaments as head coach will be the Pacific Games, which will be held in Solomon Islands, at the end of the year. This will be an important test for the team and an opportunity for Sherman to showcase his coaching skills on the international stage.
He has a long history in the game having played for Cardiff and Swansea City and held numerous coaching and technical positions throughout his 45-plus years in the game.
Sherman started his coaching career as a player-coach in the Welsh league in his 20’s in the 1980’s moving on to join the Football Association of Wales in 1997 as an Area Coach.
He then took on the role of National Player Development Manager and eventually Technical Director.
During his time at the FAW he coached the U16 team which included, over his 6 years with the team, players such as Wayne Hennessey, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Alan, Neil Taylor, Chris Gunter and Garth Bale amongst many more who have enjoyed professional careers.
He is UEFA level 5 (Pro Licence) and AFC Pro Diploma coach educator who has conducted over 30 A Licences and 7 Professional licenses in Wales, Australia, New Zealand and Asia with many coaches going on to enjoy successful coaching careers.
As well as being Technical Director with Wales he has held that position with the New Zealand and Australian FA’s and worked with OFC as a High Performance advisor. He has numerous contacts throughout the world which will be potentially beneficial to Fiji in many ways.
He has coached at all levels in the game but importantly at Senior Men’s with the Canadian Men’s Team and Senior Women’s with the NZ and Canadian Women.
Sherman was part of the coaching team who guided the Canadian Women to Bronze in the London Olympics in 2012.
