Steve Coppell named as Kerala Blasters FC manager for ISL season 3
The third season of the Hero Indian Super League, one of the country's two top-tier football leagues has been making headlines even before the tournament begins. The latest news coming out of the league is the appointment of former Manchester City and Crystal Palace manager Steve Coppell as manager of the ISL side Kerala Blasters FC.
Coppell replaced Peter Taylor, former Leicester City manager, and England U21 coach, for the job after Taylor stayed with the franchise for one season. In relation to news pertaining to the club former player David James declined the club's offer to return to India for the third time. This puts an end to a rumour-ridden month for the club and speculations over who would ultimately fill the position.
The appointment of Coppell seems to presume a bright season ahead for the club. The former Manchester United winger has more than 30 years of coaching experience and his achievements with Crystal Palace and Reading should be held as an example of his prowess.
Coppell famously is known as Crystal Palace’s most successful manager who took the team to the final of the FA Cup and managed a third place finish in the Old First Division (now the Premier League). In a wonderful turnaround, he created history with Crystal Palace after defeating former club Manchester United 2-1 at home in 1989.
Also read: ISL News: Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna join Sachin Tendulkar as Kerala Blasters co-owners
Though conjectures regarding his appointment have been going around for the past week, official confirmation came from the club and it's co-owners today. Both Sachin Tendulkar and Nagarjuna, co-owners of the Kerala Blasters, seem to be excited at the prospect.
It was previously reported by Sky Sports that the management of the club was looking to sign a non-English player for the job. The 60-year-old former winger for England has most recently been associated with Portsmouth as the Director of the club.
Coppell made nearly 300 appearances for Manchester United with 53 goals to his credit and will hope to lead the Blasters to the ISL title next season.