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ISL 2018: Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory gets LMA Special achievement award, Pep Guardiola named Manager of the Year

John Gregory (Photo: ISL)
John Gregory (Photo: ISL)

What’s the story?

Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory has been honoured by the League Managers' Association (LMA) following the Marina Machans triumphant campaign last Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The LMA honoured John Gregory by presenting him with a Special Achievement of the year Award for being the first English manager to win the Indian Super League (ISL).

In case you didn't know...

The League Managers' Association (LMA), is the union for Premier League, English Football League (EFL) and national team managers in English football. Some of the biggest managers in the world of football have been the recipients of the LMA awards so far.

The heart of the matter

 The League Managers' Association(LMA) recognized the efforts of the Englishman as the head coach of Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League.

The award was presented by former Manchester United and Everton manager David Moyes to Gregory at the 26th LMA Annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday.

LMA Chairman, Howard Wilkinson, said in his speech: "John Gregory earned an LMA Special Achievement Award after becoming the first Englishman to win the Indian Super League with Chennaiyin FC."

Gregory was in the presence of many other stalwarts from the English game, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola taking the Manager of the year award. Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock received the LMA Special Achievement Award after earning a record eighth promotion in his career.

What's next?

The former Aston Villa manager, who guided his team to victory in the month of March, has recently accepted the contract extension with the Chennai-based outfit. A sturdy defence was the hallmark of Gregory's team, and it would now be interesting to see how he shapes his side for the upcoming season.

Author's take

The award is a highlight of the popularity of the Indian Super League, which, in its fourth season, has become one of the major footballing leagues around the globe and has garnered the best talent the world has to offer.

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