Ghedin rumours grow louder

Whispers within Malta FA circles that Pietro Ghedin is favourite to return as national coach are getting louder.

Horst Heese has already announced that Malta's final World Cup 2006 qualifier against Bulgaria in October will bring the curtains down on his second spell as national coach.

Ghedin, like Heese an old acquaintance of Maltese football having been in charge of the national team between 1993 and 1995, has long been mentioned as the leading candidate to succeed the German.

So far, the MFA have dismissed stories linking Ghedin with the national coaching post but The Times has learnt that there is more than just a hint of truth in these rumours.

We can confirm that Ghedin spent a few days in Malta after flying into the country from Rome late in July.

The purpose of his visit is not known but sources have told The Times that Ghedin, who was recently appointed coach of Italy's women's team, had talks with MFA high-ranking officials during his last visit.