KEDAH head coach Azraai Khor, who guides Kedah to their first ever double treble, has started running on his plans for the new term which kicks off in January 2009.
Kedah, who successfully secured the Malaysian Super League (MSL) title, Malaysia Cup and FA Cup, have retained the foundation of their players for the new season and are hoping for a further successful campaign.

"I have given all the players a one month break. We have had a long season and they deserve the holiday," said Azraai. "But I have started working on paper to ensure we will still be able to have a solid side for the new season."

As is the case in Malaysian football, it is the state FA who goes search for players, but in Kedah's case it is somewhat unusual. Azraai's phone has not stopped ringing since last week.

"We have been getting calls from players in other states who are keen to play for Kedah, and this is good because then we are able to determine the payment scale for them. But I am only looking at a few players to beef up the team," said the coach.
"The core will still be from winning team with the inclusion of some young players from the Presidents Cup squad."

It is learnt that two famous players have demanded a monthly salary of RM15,000 from Kedah, if they sign a one year contract, but Azraai says at this point in time nobody of the local players truly merit that kind of salary.

"Those players who are demanding high salaries must remember that we already have a good squad, and players who are trying to test their market value could end up as losers."

Apparently Azraai, who has been given a free hand to pick the players, believes that players should be paid on their capability.

"Next season will be an eye opener for many as it will be all local action, so it's the teams that have enough of reserves who will benefit at the end of the season."

Kedah are expected to parade the young players who have been kept together for the last three years, and judging by the number who have already been exposed, Kedah will start the new season with a distinct edge over the other states.