'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With just a day to go for the kick-off of the much awaited Hero Indian Super League, the franchises are wrapping up their final preparations for the high profiled tournament while on the other side, fans nationwide are also gearing up for some exciting challenges and new rivalries within the domestic footballing arena, something which was earlier concentrated to very few footballing hubs in India.'Here we take a closer look at five interesting things that you should know about Kerala Blasters FC:
#1 The Master Blaster Effect
Trending
The inaugural edition of the Hero Indian Super League would see former and current stars of world football closely link up with different franchises along with some renowned names of the cricket and film fraternity of India.
IMG-Reliance were highly successful in terms of attracting popular figures in an ownership role for the franchises. Yet, for an Indian, let alone his love for sports or rather cricket, nothing goes beyond one name, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar, who is the co-owner of Kerala Blasters FC.
The living legend nicknamed the ‘Master Blaster’ is arguably the biggest catch of all and is expected to make a huge impact for the Kochi based franchise. In a nation where cricket is treated as a religion, and Sachin as a ‘God’, this epic takeover of the Kerala franchise by the cricketing God would literally mean the state is indeed the ‘God’s own Country’.
#2 Michael Chopra Player of Indian origin
The iconic English striker, Rocky Michael Chopra is the first ever player of Indian origin to play and also holds the record for scoring the fastest goal by a substitute (scoring just 15 seconds after coming in) in the English Premier League history. He was a great prospect, who during his early days was thought of as a future star who could feature for the English national team one day.
Born in England to an Indian father, Chopra is eligible to play for India as per FIFA rules, but the strong stance on dual citizenship by the Indian government still stands as an obstacle for the former Newcastle United forward. His interest in the same was made public when he entered into talks over acquiring an Indian passport to represent the blue jersey in the AFC Asia Cup 2011. He even managed to register his name in the Indian squad that was to face Qatar in a friendly only to get rejected eventually.
#3 David James Goalkeeper and Manager
The name is James, David James! Assigned as the player/ manager of the Kerala franchise, the 44 year old tall English shot-stopper is destined to be the biggest highlight on-field for the Blasters when they enter the fray in the much awaited league.
Kerala Blasters would be his third stint in a coaching role, previously having worked with Luton Town and Icelandic side ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar, where he played in a similar role as player and manager of the club. Having started his career at Watford FC, he went on to represent Liverpool, Aston Villa, West Ham United, Manchester City and Portsmouth, and holds the record for most clean sheets, and also leading the list of most appearances by a Goalkeeper in Premier League history.
#4 Trevor Morgan The man who will make them tick
The 58 year old Englishman Trevor James Morgan is a seasoned tactician with boundless knowledge on Indian football having succesfully coached the Kolkata based East Bengal FC during his 3 year tenure in India.
Morgan, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the molding of the complete squad of Blasters, had been linked with the side even before David James had made his entry. He was also responsible for monitoring the training sessions for the domestic players contracted with IMG-Reliance until the players were picked to different franchises.
Assisting an inexperienced coach, Morgan has a crucial role to play staying in the background. With a complete season ahead, his immense tactical knowledge can not just help players improve their game, but can also be utilized as important learning lessons by the gaffer himself.
#5 Distinct East Bengal flavour
There are only two franchises that are officially linked with the I-League clubs, namely NorthEast United FC (co-owned by Shillong Lajong FC) and Goa FC (co-owned by Dempo FC). Excluding these two, a franchise that still looks a replica of an I-league side is Kerala Blasters.
Former East Bengal FC head coach, Trevor Morgan, who is the assistant coach of Blasters, had represented his franchise during the draft day. Familiar with many names among the domestic pool of players, he was successful in roping in some of his own boys whom he knows to the core due to his stint with the historic Kolkata club.
With almost half the squad including the midfield maestro Mehtab Hossain, play-maker Penn Orji, defender Nirmal Chhetri and the veteran goalkeeper, Sandip Nandy representing Blasters being current or former players of East Bengal, this Red and Gold flavored side has already won many seasoned fans from in and around Kolkata.
