Butcher signs two-year deal with Sydney

MOTHERWELL manager Terry Butcher has signed a two-year contract to coach A-League champions Sydney FC.

Butcher has spent the last five days Down Under speaking with officials and he will take over after July 10 after fulfilling television commitments at the World Cup.

"It is a wonderful opportunity for me to continue my coaching career," said the former England, Rangers and Ipswich defender.

"I had four wonderful years at Motherwell and I leave Scotland with good memories, but football in Australia is taking giant leaps forward and I am looking forward to being a part of it.

"I have seen the club's facilities and they are top class, the squad is very talented and I have been impressed by the ambition of the club."

The 47-year-old helped steer Motherwell from administration to the 2005 CIS Cup final.

Sydney FC chairman Walter Bugno said: "Terry is a first-class candidate and we know Sydney FC is in good hands with him at the helm."