ISL 2017-18: Former East Bengal gaffer Eelco Schattorie appointed NorthEast United assistant coach

What's the story?

Former East Bengal coach Eelco Schattorie has been appointed as the assistant coach of Northeast United on Saturday.

In case you didn't know

Schattorie managed to save his side from relegation in only his second job at Muscat Club before putting his side Fanja in promotion race in his third job. He then went on to manage the likes of Al-Khaleej and Red Bull Ghana.

Since 2012, the Dutch manager has had successful stints at United S.C. (then known as Prayag United) and East Bengal in India. He managed to finish fourth with both the Indian clubs in different seasons. Schattorie also helped Al-Ettifaq to gain promotion to the top league in Saudi Arabia.

The heart of the matter

NorthEast United have been performing poorly this season as they have managed to score only two goals while letting in 12 goals at their end.

The John Abraham owned side sacked head coach Joao de Deus after a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Pune City FC. Since then, they have hired former Chelsea manager Avram Grant as the technical advisor of the club. Now, Eelco Schattorie has been called upon to help the Israel national.

What next?

Northeast United host FC Goa at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium on Saturday before playing ATK at the same stadium on Friday.

Author's take

Considering the past records of Schattorie in India and even abroad, NorthEast United are certainly looking at a man who has always managed to eke out positive results from the teams he managed.

NorthEast United have had a poor season till now and would be hoping for a turn in fortunes after their two high profile appointments in the form of Grant and Schattorie.