Galatasaray appoint veteran Feldkamp

Veteran German coach Karl-Heinz Feldkamp has been handed the reins of Istanbul giants Galatasaray SK following the departure last week of Erik Gerets.

Second coming
The 73-year-old Feldkamp has been confirmed as the club's new coach by chairman Özhan Canaydin after a meeting with the board of directors last night. 'Kalli' led Galatasaray to the Turkish double during his first spell in charge in 1992/93 before making way for Rainer Holmann the following season. He briefly coached Beşiktaş JK in 1999/00 but resigned due to ill health.

Long absence
Feldkamp, who has signed a two-year contract, said: "I have never lost interest in Turkish or international football. I know most of the Turkish teams in detail. I have the enthusiasm, desire and ambition to inspire my players." The trainer, who has not worked since leaving Beşiktaş, has named Ahmet Akcan as his assistant. A coach since 1968, Feldkamp has occupied the helm at DSC Arminia Bielefeld, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, BV Borussia Dortmund, FC Bayer 05 Uerdingen and Eintracht Frankfurt as well as Egyptian side Ismaily SC. Galatasaray finished third in the Süper Lig under Gerets and will resume their quest for European success in the second qualifying round of the 2007/08 UEFA Cup. The club have also said they will be bringing Turkish players Baris Özbek and Serkan Çalik to Istanbul from Germany's SC Rot-Weiss Essen.