Former Aston Villa manager John Gregory takes over Kazakhstan side Kayrat Almaty

09:08, 16 June 2011

LONDON. June 16. KAZINFORM The 57-year-old confirmed as head coach of side, who he compares with Liverpool, that is third from bottom in Kazakh league but is confident he can turn around their fortunes.

Former Aston Villa and Derby manager John Gregory has been named as the head coach of Kazakhstan league team Kayrat Almaty.

According to Goal.com, Gregory has been out of work since leaving Israeli side FC Ashdod in April and has side a two-year deal with the club.

"I'm very proud of the faith which has been shown in me, and I'm very proud to have become the coach of a team like Kayrat," he said after being unveiled at the club's headquarters.

"Before my arrival at Kayrat I read lots of information about the club.

"I came to the conclusion that Kayrat are very popular in Kazakhstan, like Liverpool are in England."

Kayrat currently sit third from bottom in the 12-team Kazakh and Gregory, 57, admits he faces a challenge turning around his new sides fortunes.

"I wouldn't have come to Almaty if the team didn't have problems," he added.

"Unfortunately I don't have much time to improve the situation."

To read more go to www.goal.com

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