Aizawl FC are in talks with Dave Rogers as the club looks for new coach ahead of tough season
AIZAWL FC ARE FACING the task of re-building their team for next season after multiple clubs as well as their coach left the club following their fairyrale I-League triumph, and they are turning to coaches with a proven track record who can do it.
It has been rumoured in the media that after Khalid Jamil decided to leave for East Bengal, the Peoples' Club have been in talks with the veteran Thangboi Singto, who has had a good run at Shillong Lajong coaching a young team to increasing success at the top division. But Shillong Lajong are reportedly still open to retaining his services, with any moves on a new offer pending the official announcement from AIFF regarding the structure of the next season. Lajong are also set to lose a number of players to ISL if it runs in parallel to the I-League and keeping their veteran coach may be a good step to ensure some stability in the first team.
With that in mind, Aizawl FC have also approached Dave Rogers who managed DSK Shivajians last season, sources close to the situation have revealed to TFG.
Rogers, a former centre back who played for Shelbourne and Chester City, has been working with the Liverpool International Academy in Pune in association with DSK for some time now, and was given the mantle of the first team manager last season. He introduced a number of promising academy graduates into the top division and and the club held its own with a relatively young squad, finishing 7th in the league, an improvement from the bottom-table finish of the previous season.
While the team looked sure to become much better in future with experience, a tough financial situation at the club coupled with the logistical issues arising from ISL and I-League running at the same time is forcing the club management to shut down its first team. And Dave Rogers, who coached the team through the season despite player disconent over months of unpaid salary, is garnering interest from multiple clubs, including the reigning Champions of India.
Sources close to the club said that one of the reasons Dave Rogers is especially attractive to the club is that he can bring over a number of young promising players with him to the club, many of whom are Mizo. Aizawl FC benefited greatly last season when Khalid Jamil brought over some talented players to the club, and given the player exodus they are facing, this can be especially helpful this season.
The one caveat is that Dave Rogers holds an A License, and Aizawl FC need a coach with a Pro License to gain an AFC club license in order to participate in the AFC Champions League Qualifiers come January. But Rogers will have enough time to begin that process to gain eligibility to coach a club playing at the ACL.
The local season in Mizoram is about to begin, with Independence Cup and Super Cup being followed by the Mizoram Premier League. Aizawl FC will be closely monitoring the local tournaments for any new talent that they can take into their roster before I-League begins in November and the club's maiden campaign in Asia kicks off in January. They will want to get their coach selection process done well in time in order to have an adequate pre-season and be fully prepared for what is expected to be their most challenging season yet.
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