Gavin Lee appointed Lions head coach, seen taking MRT to press conference with suit in garment bag

Gavin Lee is officially the permanent head coach of the Singapore national football team.

The 35-year-old's appointment was made official at a Nov. 28 press conference by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).

Alongside FAS president Forrest Li, he signed the 18-month contract and was subsequently presented with a national team jersey.

In a brief address, Li said that the role was a "very, very hot seat" and a "very demanding job".

"I really appreciate Gavin. There's a lot of sacrifices and [being] willing to step up...and we all think we had a fantastic match."

He also thanked supporters for offering to contribute funds to the team after the Hong Kong win, calling it "very encouraging".

Lee, as well, thanked his family, the fans, the players, and expressed optimism for the road ahead.

"That night in Hong Kong was only possible because of everybody pulling together, everybody in Singapore pulling together...

I'm very, very sure that together as one, if we go forward together, we will be able to create even more lasting memories like the one in Hong Kong."

Lee is the FAS's first permanent local coach since V Sundramoorthy in 2016.

Caught on MRT

Earlier, a member of the public noticed Lee on the MRT.

He was dressed in a polo tee and holding a garment bag with a suit that he later donned during the event.

In an interview with Mothership, Lee confirmed that the photo had been taken before the press conference.

"I was just on the train and on my normal commute to work...I was a a little bit in the zone because I was preparing for today's press conference, to be honest."

Referring to his suit, he quipped:

"This is not my normal wear, if you haven't gathered that, right. I'm more comfortable in the polo and pants. But it's a special occasion."

He added that he will continue to take the MRT on his commute even if people recognise him more often.

"It's convenient, it's easy, and I get to read a lot on the ride there...Maybe I need to wear a mask now — no, I'm kidding — but yeah, I don't think it will change."

Historic match

Lee was appointed interim head coach after former head coach Tsutomu Ogura departed in June this year.

During the Asian Cup qualifier, he led the Lions to a 2-1 win against Hong Kong, sending Singapore to the Asian Cup on merit for the first time in its history.

It also led to the departure of the Hong Kong football head coach, Ashley Westwood.

As part of his new role, he is expected to lead the Lions to the 2026 Asean Championship and the 2027 Asian Cup.

Top image from by Javier Lim and from Den Den/Facebook