Long An is determined to return to V.League 2019.

On January 2nd, Long An Football Club will reconvene to prepare for the 2018 National First Division Football League, which will kick off in April. The club's leadership stated that they are determined to win the championship and return to the V-League in 2019.

After being relegated to the First Division, Long An FC released 10 players, leaving 13 veterans, mostly young talents trained by the club over the years. Last week, the club secured the signatures of two new players: striker Tuan Anh (top scorer in the 2015 First Division, playing for Ho Chi Minh City FC in the 2018 V-League) and midfielder Nguyen Vu Phong, winner of the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup (who played for SHB Da Nang last season).

Despite serving a disciplinary suspension, coach Ngo Quang Sang was still entrusted by the Long An Club leadership with full authority over professional matters from January 2nd, 2018. Photo: ANH HUY

During the training camp, the club will add five players from their youth teams, selected and trained by them. After the V-League teams finalize their rosters, Long An will add six more players who have previously played in the professional league.

The Long An management has also approved the transfer of coach Nguyen Minh Phuong to coach SHB Da Nang. Coach Ngo Quang Sang will replace Nguyen Minh Phuong. Despite serving a 36-month disciplinary suspension from the Disciplinary Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation, Coach Ngo Quang Sang has been given full responsibility for professional matters (training, daily life, and matches). When the 2018 National First Division League begins, veteran Phan Van Giau will be registered as head coach to direct tactics during matches.

Because they were relegated to the first division, Long An did not face financial pressure (under 20 billion VND). Many businesses inside and outside the province continued to sponsor the club.

It is known that the 2018 National First Division Football League will have 10 participating teams. In addition to the champion team which will be directly promoted, the second-placed team will play a play-off match against the 13th-placed team in the 2018 V-League to compete for the right to participate in the 2019 V-League.

As of now, no club—except Long An—has set promotion to the professional league as its ultimate goal for 2019.

According to Tuoitre.