Jamshedpur FC are delighted to announce the signing of Stephen James `Steve’ Coppell as the head coach for the upcoming season of Indian Super League (ISL).
Popularly known as Steve Coppell, he joined the club after a successful stint with Kerala Blasters last season. The former Manchester United star is all set to bring his coaching expertise to the table for the Tata team.
Coppell was a highly regarded right-winger known for his speed and skills at Manchester United. He scored 70 goals in 395 appearances for Manchester United and further represented England from 1977 to 1983.
He has also managed Bristol City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester City, Brentford and, most notably, Crystal Palace and Reading, both of which he took from the English second tier to achieve each club’s greatest-ever successes.
Jamshedpur FC are also delighted to announce the signing of former India football player Ishfaq Ahmed as the assistant coach of the club. Ishfaq was also working with Kerala Blasters for the last two seasons as an assistant coach and has helped the franchise in the recruitment of players.
The 34-year-old has represented the Indian national team at various levels and in tournaments such as the Independence Cup, the Olympic Qualifiers (2003) and the World Cup Qualifiers (2004).
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. T V Narendran, Managing Director, Tata Steel India & South-East Asia, said: “Tata Steel has a long and enduring commitment to sports, especially football. Our foray into ISL is in line with the commitment to develop Indian football.
“Jamshedpur Football Club’s association with Steve Coppell and Ishfaq Ahmed is yet another step in this direction”.
Following the formal signing ceremony, Mr. Sunil Bhaskaran, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said: “We are pleased to have on board Steve Coppell and Ishfaq Ahmed as the Head Coach and Assistant Coach, respectively, of our very own Jamshedpur Football Club.
“I am confident that, with their collective experience, they will transform the Jamshedpur Football Club into a valuable entity that we can be proud of”.
With the Indian Super League 2017-18 Indian Player Draft scheduled for 23rd July, the newly appointed coaches have set themselves straight to business.
