Steve Darby
Stephen David Darby is an English football coach and former player. He is well known throughout Asia as a pundit for ESPN Star Sports.
Managerial career
Bahrain
Darby started his football manager career in 1978 where his first coaching role is with the Bahrain national team.Australia
Darby relocated to Australia and by 1981 he was director of soccer coaching in Tasmania. In March 1987 he joined the ACT Academy of Soccer; he later became director of soccer coaching for Australian Capital Territory's teams. In February 1989, he was appointed coach of the women's Australia B for the Oceania Cup held in Brisbane in March. His team defeated Papua New Guinea 2–0 in their first game. They drew 0–0 against Australia A, but lost against both Chinese Taipei and New Zealand. Australia B finished equal third with Australia A – their playoff game was washed out and abandoned. By August Darby was the Australia's Female Socceroos' coach. He was arguing for "total freedom of choice in the selection of my immediate staff" and a contract system for players.Sydney Olympic
In 1995, Darby was appointed by Australian semi-professional club Sydney Olympic as the club manager.Johor FA
In 1998, Darby was appointed as the Malaysian club manager at Johor FA.Vietnam women
In January 2001, Darby was appointed by the Vietnam women national team as their head coach.Home United
In September 2002, S.League club Home United hired Darby as their manager. In his time at the club, he steered Home United to win the cup double in 2003 which is the 2003 S.League and the 2003 Singapore Cup. Darby also steered them to win the 2005 Singapore Cup.Perak FA
On 8 November 2005, Darby then moved to Malaysia again but this time to signed with Perak FA.Thailand
On 17 July 2008, Darby was appointed as the assistant coach under Peter Reid for the Thailand national team while Darby was also appointed as Thailand U23 head coach.Mohun Bagan
On 19 July 2011, Darby was appointed at Indian club Mohun Bagan as their manager however his reign fell short as he was sacked on 15 October.Kelantan
In January 2014, Darby returned to Malaysia to signed with Kelantan as the club manager.Mumbai City
In July 2014, Darby reunited with Peter Reid as his assistant at Indian Super League club Mumbai City where he coached Nicolas Anelka and Freddie Ljungberg, who were by then approaching retirement.Laos
In May 2015, Darby was approached by Laos as the team head coach where it became his third national team stint that he coached.Personal life
Darby married Australian soccer player, Anissa Tann, in November 1994. The couple were divorced before March 2003.Honours
As Manager
Home United
- S.League: 2003
- Singapore Cup: 2003, 2005