News: Byung-soo Ball Arrives at Big Bird

Suwon Samsung Bluewings have appointed Kim Byung-soo as the club's new manager. The former Seoul E-Land and Gangwon FC boss is tasked with saving the Bluewings from relegation after a dismal start to the 2023 Hana 1Q K League 1 campaign which has seen the fallen giants lose eight of their first 10 matches this term.

image via Suwon Bluewings press release

Kim Byung-soo has become the 8th permanent manager of Suwon Samsung Bluewings. Suwon made the announcement on Thursday morning but Kim is not expected to take charge of the team's trip to Incheon on Children's Day, May 5th.

Kim's footballing philosophy, communication with the players, and ability to respond to certain in-game situations have been cited as some of the reasons why the Big Bird board plumped for the 52-year-old.

"If we come together, Suwon will be special again" - Kim Byung-soo

Speaking upon his appointment, Kim said:

"I got the offer from the club and thought a lot about it. To me, this is a big challenge. It's a difficult situation but with the supporters, the players, and the board, if we can all work together as one and do our best then Suwon can be special again. I'll be bold and do my best."

A statement from the club said that it believes Kim Byung-soo is the right manager to help the club overcome the current crisis and that he had provided the most detail in terms of what the team's problems are and how to address them.

Kim's K League 1 record reads 37 wins, 30 draws, and 49 losses from 116 matches to earn a win percentage of 31.9. Overall, including K League 2, it's 44 wins, 44 draws, and 64 losses from 152 matches - a win percentage of 28.9.

His brand of football was dubbed "Byung-soo Ball" by the local media but his time at Gangwon FC, his most recent position, ended prematurely with two matches left of the 2021 regular season and with the Bears staring relegation in the face.

Suwon are yet to win a league game this term having lost eight and drawn two, leaving them eight points behind Jeonbuk and Gangwon in 10th and 11th and 10 points away from absolute safety.

Lee Byung-keun left the club on 17th April following the Super Match loss to FC Seoul and Choi Sung-yong was placed in caretaker charge.

Under Choi, a former Bluewings midfielder in the early 2000s, Suwon lost away to Pohang and at home to Daegu FC - both 1-0.

Read further

• Is there any way back for Suwon Samsung Bluewings?
• Would Suwon Bluewings be the biggest K League club to get relegated?