Jamshedpur, February 6: Jamshedpur FC return to match action on Saturday evening when they take on Sporting Club Delhi in an open-door friendly at the JRD Tata Sports Complex, marking the Men of Steel’s first outing in front of home supporters after a long gap. The last time JFC played a fixture in front of the fans at the Furnace was the Durand Cup quarter-final, a defeat that ended their campaign. This time, however, the setting and the storyline are very different A fresh start under Shield-winning head coach Owen Coyle, a reworked squad with new foreign recruits, and the Furnace ready to come alive again.

The friendly offers fans their first real glimpse of the new-look Jamshedpur FC, with Coyle using the match to assess combinations and how quickly his ideas are taking shape on the pitch. Emphasising the importance of playing at home, Coyle said, “I’ve loved the atmosphere every time I’ve been at the Furnace. It’s going to be special to be back there with our own fans. These games help us get ready, but they also help us build that connection with the supporters early.” With the ISL season approaching fast, the focus will be on intensity, rhythm and laying the foundations for an exciting campaign.

For the players, the chance to play again in front of the Jamshedpur faithful adds extra motivation. Defender Stephen Eze highlighted what the moment means for the squad, saying, “Playing at the Furnace is always special. The fans give us energy and confidence, and after such a long time away, we are really excited to feel that support again.” As Jamshedpur FC begin this new chapter, Friday’s friendly promises to be more than just a warm-up and a first step in reconnecting the team with its home crowd.