Steve Darby: Will He End Mohun Bagan's Trophy Drought
Mohun Bagan, after having a long search for a coach, has finally appointed former Thailand Assistant Coach Steve Darby to take charge of the club for the 2011-12 season. A Press Release of the club reads that “A professional football coach with a distinguished career has been appointed as the chief coach of Mohun Bagan football team for the 2011-2012 season.”
The Liverpool born UEFA A licensed coach is expected to arrive soon in Kolkata and take over the reign at the Clubs tent on July 25, the day the Green and Maroons unveils their squad for the 2011-12 season. Confirming the news, a top club official said to reputed soccer site about the new Coach’s arrival.
“We have sent all necessary documents for him to apply for the visa. He is expected to arrive in the city within the next seven days or so.”
The 56 year old Derby carries a vast experience behind him being the official FIFA Instructor for the Oceania region in 1981 and became AFC instructor in 1998 after serving as the national development manager for the Australian Soccer Federation from 1990-1995.
In betweens he coach many clubs like Sydney Olympic, Malaysia’s Johor FA and Perak FA, Singapore’s Home United and achieved success with each one them He also took charge of the Vietnam National Women’s team and lead them to gold medal in the SEA Games.
Meanwhile former Mohun Bagan player and Coach Bernard Oparanozie have also been shortlisted to be the assistant coach. So having spent so much in the transfer market procuring the best of players and coaches, it now remains to be seen what Mohun Bangan does this season, after two trophy less season under Subhas Bhowmik and Stanley Rozario. The Club finished a disappointing sixth in the I-League last season.
