David James will call the shots in the Kerala Blasters side for the HISL.
“I made it clear from the start that the final decision rests with me. This way, I cannot pass the blame on to anybody,” said the former England goalkeeper, designated marquee player-manager in the Kerala franchise.
Englishman Trevor Morgan is chief coach and his I-League experience makes him a valuable ally. The two men were involved in the choice of players during the ISL international players draft pick.
Having competed at the international level for England, apart from guarding the bar for high-profile Premier League clubs Liverpool FC and Manchester City, to name a few, James is eager to prove his managerial ability.
The move to India happened after a stint in Iceland with a club named IBV, where he was assistant manager to ex-EPL colleague Hermann Hreidarsson. “The challenge of managing a football club in India brought me here,” James said.
He believes in doing something to make a difference.
“I share Sachin Tendulkar’s dream about transforming Indian football. I am thankful to Kerala Blasters for the opportunity,” he said.
From England to Iceland to India, James is game for new adventures at 43.
