The 55 year old, best known for his work alongside Dave Bassett at Watford and Wimbledon and successful periods in Japan, Yemen and the USA, will work with the team for a period of 4 months taking in their African Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria at the end of March.

"This is possibly the most challenging job I've ever taken on", said Gillett, before leaving home at the weekend.

"It is also one of the most exciting, not least with Malawi currently preparing for one of the biggest games of their history against Nigeria. The Malawian team is a young, enthusiastic and gifted side and, having done so well in last year's COSAFA Castle Cup, they obviously have huge potential".

Gillett's appointment to the Malawi national team is supported by The FA which is partnered with The Football Association of Malawian through the UEFA-CAF Meridian Project. The Meridian Project links national associations of Europe with their African counterparts with a view to assisting the development of African football.

Alongside Malawi, The FA is also partnered with Botswana and Lesotho and has enjoyed an active and productive relationship with all three since the Project's inception 5 years ago.

"Our work with Malawi has focused on assistance in the key disciplines of coaching, refereeing and administration", explained The FA's Head of International Relation, Jane Bateman.

"We have sponsored Malawian coaches and referees on FA courses in England, and have held referee and administration workshops in Malawi. Last year, the national team trained in England in preparation for their COSAFA Cup semi-final which they subsequently won to qualify for the final for the first time in their history.

"We believe that the experience they had of English football was good for their overall development and hope that Alan Gillett will be able to build on that over the coming months".

While Gillett's contract is with The Football Association of Malawi, The FA has fully endorsed his appointment. According to The FA's Technical Co-ordinator, Robin Russell:

"Alan has significant experience overseas, most recently in the USA and formerly in the Yemen - as U21 and Senior National Team coach - and Japan. He has worked with The FA in providing in-service training for our coaches in the South West of England and in delivering National 'A' Licence courses. I am confident that his technical expertise will have a significant impact on the Malawi national team".

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