AFC Cup results sealed Bencia fate as Tampines sacked him and two imports

Tampines Rovers has sacked coach Nenad Bacina with general manager Tay Peng Kee taking over for the remainder of the 2013 season.

"I have taken over the team as of this afternoon [Tuesday]," Tay, the ex-Singapore international, said. "Basically, it was a decision from the management.

"For now, I will be in charge until the end of the season and we'll see where it goes from there."

Tay revealed his immediate target is to put Tampines back on track in their bid to retain the title, although the club's stature means he will also have to do well in their upcoming RHB Singapore Cup and Starhub League Cup fixtures.

"Our focus has always been to win the league title," he added.

"But this is Tampines. We always want to do well in every competition we play in, and that's what I'll be looking to do."

And the club chairman Teo Hock Seng did not mince his words on why he chose to let the Croatian depart as he said: “Following our AFC Cup exit, we decided we had to change direction now ... We spent money assembling a strong squad and yet we were kicked out in the early stages. It’s obvious the team is struggling."

Two other imports - Martin Wagner and Sead Hadzibulic- has departed as well with Teo unhappy with how Wanger has failed to gel with the team while disappointed with the goal return of Hadzibulic who has only scored 3 times in the league.

Teo claimed the club is already looking for their replacement in June transfer window.