KUALA LUMPUR – Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has thrown his weight behind Peter Cklamovski’s appointment as Salford City manager, declaring the former Malaysia head coach the perfect fit to spearhead the club’s ambitious push up the English football pyramid.
The League Two side confirmed Cklamovski as its new manager today, ending speculation over the Australian’s future just days after he bid farewell to Malaysian football.
Scholes, who serves as Salford’s chief football advisor and is part of the club’s ownership group, said Cklamovski’s footballing philosophy and relentless drive made him the standout candidate for the role.
“Cklamovski brings a style of football that we like to watch – exciting, attacking football,” said Scholes in Salford’s official club statement.
“But he’s not just about scoring goals – he’s obsessed with keeping clean sheets too. He wants his teams to be ruthless and to have a clear identity and that’s something that we’re excited to bring to the club.”
Salford looks good on you, Peter 📸#WelcomePeter #Salford pic.twitter.com/8ggHm8l9oK
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) June 18, 2026
Cklamovski arrives at Salford after a memorable spell with Harimau Malaya, where he oversaw a resurgence in performances and helped Malaysia climb to their highest FIFA ranking in more than two decades.
Speaking after his appointment, the 47-year-old said Salford’s vision and ambitions aligned closely with his own.
“I’m here with a great opportunity to do something special, and it’s a great challenge,” said Cklamovski.
“The owners have got lofty ambitions, the Club’s got big aspirations to achieve something special and that resonates with me.
“The way to do that and achieve success is together, and working hard on a daily basis together to grow the football club, and I’m looking forward to getting started on that.”
The Australian also outlined the aggressive and entertaining style of football he intends to implement at the club.
“We want to be aggressive, attacking, and we want to get our fans off their seats, get them jumping.
“That style is built off a daily process on the training pitch and a really clear training methodology that the players will enjoy, but work hard for and have that mindset to get better every day.
“I’m really passionate about that and the way we do that is do that together. That’s everyone at the Club, all the fans behind the players, and together we can achieve something special.”
Salford chief executive Gavin Fleig said the club conducted a rigorous recruitment process before identifying Cklamovski as its preferred choice.
“We’re delighted to welcome Cklamovski to Salford City.
“Cklamovski brings an elite and diverse experience to the club, delivering football that is proactive and on the front foot.
“His clear principles, training process and attention to detail will bring control, possession with purpose, and relentless intensity on a matchday.
“Cklamovski has the drive, know-how and daily work ethic to raise standards, develop people and maximise the potential of our talented playing squad.
“He was the standout candidate following a rigorous process and we look forward to introducing Cklamovski to our supporters.”
Cklamovski’s coaching journey began in Australia, where he worked in sports performance after an injury curtailed his playing career.
He later joined Ange Postecoglou’s coaching staff in Australia’s youth setup before progressing to the senior national team, helping the Socceroos win their maiden AFC Asian Cup title in 2015 and qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Following a stint in charge of Australia’s Under-17 side, he reunited with Postecoglou at Yokohama F. Marinos, where they guided the Japanese club to its first J1 League title in 15 years.
Cklamovski subsequently forged his own reputation in Japan with Shimizu S-Pulse, Montedio Yamagata and FC Tokyo, earning widespread praise for his attacking philosophy and ability to transform teams.
His successful work in Japan and with Malaysia ultimately convinced Salford’s hierarchy that he was the ideal candidate to lead the club into its next chapter.
With the relevant international paperwork completed, Cklamovski will begin work immediately ahead of pre-season later this month.
The club said details regarding his coaching staff will be announced in due course. – June 18, 2026