Gress out to Graz with Sturm
Wednesday, June 4, 2003
Article summary
SK Sturm Graz have announced that Gilbert Gress will take charge of the Austrian Bundesliga club.
Article body
One-year deal
Gress, 61, has signed a one-year contract and will start work at the Arnold Schwarzenegger stadium next week. The Swiss coach replaces Franco Foda, who took over from Ivica Osim in 2002 and led the club to sixth place in the league last season.
Strong recommendation
However, Sturm failed to secure European qualification and club president Hannes Kartnig has moved to bring in Gress on the recommendation of Osim, who is now coaching in Japan, and club manager Heinz Schilcher. Both played under Gress at French side RC Strasbourg and suggested Kartnig recruit the veteran.
Foda offer
Sturm have also offered Foda the role of assistant coach, a position he held under Osim before his promotion. "He has not taken up the offer yet because he wants to think about it," Kartnig said.
Wide experience
A player with Strasbourg, VfB Stuttgart and Olympique de Marseille, Gress subsequently coached Strasbourg, Club Brugge KV, Neuchâtel Xamax FC, Servette FC, FC Zürich and FC Metz as well as the Swiss national team.
