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England Defender Terry Butcher to Coach Sydney FC

Terry Butcher, former England defender, said `yes` for the coaching position over at Sydney FC, as announced my the Australian A-League champions on Wednesday. Butcher has signed a two-year contract and will replace Pierre Littbarski, who`s resigning. "It`s great to be back as one of the favorites, or perhaps the favorite club," said Butcher.

Butcher has made 77 appearances for England after making his debut against Australia in 1980. "I was there for Rangers for many years and England of course, although it was quite a few years ago, so I am pretty much used to being under that pressure." Butcher, whose playing career took him to Sunderland, Ipswich and Glasgow Rangers, retired after the 1990 World Cup to become a manager and part-time commentator.

Sydney Chairman Walter Bugno said Butcher had received glowing references from former England manager Bobby Robson and Scotland coach Walter Smith. "The reports that we received have been absolutely fabulous and we go into this relationship with a lot of confidence that the trophy is going to stay at Sydney for some time to come," said Bugno.