Gavin Lee Named Permanent Head Coach of Singapore Lions with 18-Month Contract

Gavin Lee, 35, was officially named the permanent head coach of the Singapore men's national football team on Friday, November 28, 2025. Lee was formally unveiled at a press conference at the Jalan Besar Stadium, marking the culmination of a months-long search following his successful interim stint.

The Appointment and Rationale

CNA understands that Lee has signed an 18-month contract. His permanent appointment follows a successful interim period where he guided the Lions to a historic qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup on merit—the first time Singapore has done so since participating automatically as hosts in 1984.

FAS Criteria: FAS Deputy President Desmond Ong revealed that the association sought candidates who were professionally competent, could communicate well with players, and had experience taking a team to a major tournament (Asian or World Cup).
Local Selection: Ong stated that the FAS found someone "in our own backyard who fulfilled two of these criteria very well." Although the FAS selection committee reviewed 67 coaches and spoke to around 20 "world-class" profiles (including Nick Montgomery and Jesus Casas), Ong said none "were really moving the needle."
Ultimate Test: FAS General Secretary Badri Ghent confirmed that Lee passed the "ultimate test and interview" by leading the Lions to the Asian Cup qualification.
Players' Voice: Ong added that "If you speak to the players themselves, it became increasingly evident that they wanted Gavin to remain as coach. And I think their voices should be the loudest."

Coach Lee's Vision and Gratitude

Accepting the role, Lee expressed deep gratitude, crediting his success to the support he received throughout his career, including from his family, JSSL Managing Director Harvey Davis, and FAS Deputy President Desmond Ong (his former chairman at Tampines Rovers).

Goal: On his goals for major tournaments, Lee stressed that the intention is "to give the people in Singapore a national team that they can be proud of," adding that the team aims to "do better than the previous campaign(s)" to ensure they "leave the shirt in a better place."
FAS Support: FAS President Forrest Li assured Lee that there would be no "knee-jerk" reaction to challenges, vowing that the association is focused on optimizing efforts for the 2027 Asian Cup campaign.

Background

Lee, at 35, already holds the distinction of being the youngest head coach in Singapore Premier League history when he took the helm at BG Tampines Rovers. He joined the national team in March 2024 as an assistant to former head coach Tsutomu Ogura and was appointed interim head coach in June following Ogura's departure.

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