Commentary: Let’s not get caught up in the moment when choosing Singapore’s next football head coach

Now, let’s be clear, Lee has done a brilliant job so far. The 35-year-old stepped in as interim head coach in June when Tsutomu Ogura quit suddenly for personal reasons.

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) went on a global search for a new big-name coach that its president Forrest Li promised would excite local fans. Amid several closed-door interviews and contract negotiations with candidates from faraway lands, the quiet and studious Lee from Tampines went about his work quietly and let his team’s success speak for itself. 

Delivering Asian Cup qualification is probably the best thing that a supposed seat-warmer could add to his CV to be considered a top candidate for the job. 

FAS chief Li admitted as much: “Definitely, based on what Gavin has achieved, he will be a very, very strong candidate for us to consider. But we also have other very strong candidates in the pipeline. I think we’re in a good position. So, we have good choices.”