Just days after mutually parting ways with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), Peter Cklamovski has returned to club football after being appointed as the new Men’s First Team Manager of Salford City FC.
The League Two club confirmed the appointment of the 47-year-old Australian, entrusting him with leading the next phase of the club’s ambitious project following an extensive recruitment process.
Cklamovski arrives in England after a brief spell with Harimau Malaya, ending his international tenure before quickly embarking on a new challenge in one of English football’s most ambitious lower-league clubs.
The appointment comes shortly after FAM confirmed that Cklamovski and his coaching staff had left the Malaysian national team by mutual agreement as part of a major restructuring of the national football programme.
Despite his short tenure, Cklamovski guided Malaysia through a positive period in 2025, helping the national team climb to its highest FIFA World Ranking in more than two decades while implementing an aggressive, possession-based style of play that earned praise from supporters.
Now, the Australian tactician begins another chapter, aiming to bring the same philosophy to Salford City.
Speaking after his appointment, Cklamovski expressed his excitement about taking charge of the club.
“I’m here with a great opportunity to do something special, and it’s a great challenge. The owners have lofty ambitions, and the club has big aspirations to achieve something special. That resonates with me.”
The former Malaysia coach outlined the football identity he intends to build at Salford.
“We want to fight for everything with passion, commitment and discipline, but we also want to be brave on the ball, play forward, score goals and entertain our supporters.
“We want to be aggressive and attacking. We want to get our fans off their seats. That style is built through hard work every day on the training ground and a clear methodology that allows players to improve.”
Salford City CEO Gavin Fleig described Cklamovski as the standout candidate throughout the club’s recruitment process.
“We’re delighted to welcome Peter to Salford City. He brings elite experience and a proactive style of football built around possession with purpose, intensity and attention to detail.
“Peter has the drive, knowledge and work ethic to raise standards, develop players and maximise the potential of our talented squad.”
Meanwhile, club football advisor Paul Scholes believes the Australian’s philosophy perfectly matches the club’s vision.
“Peter brings a style of football that we love to watch—exciting and attacking. But he’s also obsessed with defensive discipline and keeping clean sheets. He wants his teams to have a clear identity, and that’s exactly what we’re excited to bring to Salford.”
Cklamovski has built an impressive coaching résumé across both international and club football.
His coaching journey began in Australia before working alongside Ange Postecoglou, helping Australia lift the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, compete at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and qualify for the 2018 edition.
He later followed Postecoglou to Yokohama F. Marinos, where they ended the club’s 15-year wait for the J1 League title.
As a head coach, Cklamovski earned widespread recognition in Japan after transforming Montedio Yamagata from relegation candidates into promotion challengers while also enjoying successful spells with Shimizu S-Pulse and FC Tokyo, where his attacking philosophy attracted record attendances.
His reputation for developing young talent and implementing high-intensity football eventually led to his appointment as Malaysia head coach in 2025.
Credit Photo : Salford City
