Bengaluru appoints Simon Grayson as the new head coach
Bengaluru appoints the former Leeds United, Sunderland, Preston North End, and Blackpool manager Simon Grayson as the new head coach of the club ahead of the 2022-23 Indian Super League season.
The 52-year old is delighted with the prospect of coming to a foreign nation and winning trophies in a new league and a new environment.
He said,
“Coming to India was a possibility that I had looked into two years ago. But the pandemic put all things on hold. When the chance came across again, I was excited to look into it. This presents a new opportunity in my football career and it is one that really excites me.”
The new Blues head coach is aware of the rich legacy of the club and has promised the fans to bring glory and trophies back to the club.
He continued,
“When I spoke to the owner, his mindset was the same as mine. I want this club to be winning trophies again. I am aware that BFC has been very successful in the past but the last few years haven’t worked out like everybody would have liked it. That happens in football – you learn from it and strive to do better – to get players to work harder on the pitch and off the pitch; that’s the exciting part for me. I’m coming not just to spend a period of time learning football in a different country. I’m coming here to win trophies at what is a fantastic football club.”
The Englishman has put pen to paper for a 2-year deal that lasts till the end of the 2023-24 ISL season and he will be tasked with replacing Marco Pezzaiouli at the helm and bringing the winning culture back to the club.
Pezzaiouli had a tough time with the Blues as the Italian managed to successfully adapt his playing style according to the Indian football conditions but it proved to be ‘too little too late’ as Bengaluru ended up in the 6th position with 8 wins, 5 draws, and 7 defeats.
But, the second half of the last ISL season introduced many football fans to young talents like Naorem Roshan Singh, Parag Shrivas, and Jayesh Rane dominating the proceedings at times. Grayson has vowed to work with the young players ahead of the new season.
He concluded,
“BFC have some very good young players coming through from the academy and hopefully they’ve learned from their minutes in the first team last season. I truly believe that they can be a massive asset to the football club, and coupled with the players who join, I think this is the perfect opportunity for me, especially because it will be a football season with the supporters.”
BFC CEO Mandar Tamhane praised the British manager’s abilities as a leader and pointed out his impressive record in the competitive football leagues of England.
He said,
“Grayson comes with vast experience as a leader, having captained Blackpool and Leicester in his playing days. The fact that he has seen four clubs promoted while in charge as a manager speaks volumes about his managerial prowess. His experiences as a player and manager made him the right candidate, and we’re excited about what the future holds for this football club.”
The Blues have released key players like Cleiton Silva, Iman Basafa, Sarthak Golui, and Pratik Chaudhari as they prepare for an important 2022-23 ISL season.