After guiding Chennaiyin FC to its second Indian Super League title, head coach John Gregory has penned a one-year contract extension with the side. Gregory became the first English coach to win the ISL trophy, leading the side to an eight-match unbeaten run that culminated in a 3-2 victory over Bengaluru FC in the final, thus securing qualification to the 2019 AFC Cup.
“I am extremely delighted to continue with Chennaiyin FC for one more year. My first year in India couldn’t have been more perfect, with us winning the title. It has been an incredible journey filled with some fabulous memories and achievements along the way. The togetherness shown by the entire squad throughout the season was exemplary. The aim is to take the same forward into the Super Cup and the next season,” remarked Gregory on extending his tenure.
By winning a second ISL trophy under Gregory’s watch, Chennaiyin became the most successful club in the tournament’s history so far.
“John has taken our club to great heights in his first season in charge. The team has performed incredibly well with John bringing the best out of each and every player, focusing on their strengths and maximizing them. And winning the ISL trophy was the perfect compliment for all the hard work that John and his entire coaching staff put into the squad. We are excited for what lies ahead with him in-charge,” club co-owner Vita Dani said.
Gregory: ‘I use Indian players to their strengths’
With Gregory at the helm, the season proved to be a memorable one for the youngsters and the Indian contingent in the squad. Gregory is the first manager in the tournament’s history to field 10 Indian players, as was the case in the last league match against Mumbai City FC on March 3.
The Indian players have grown under his tutelage, with five of them – Jeje Lalpekhlua, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Dhanpal Ganesh, Anirudh Thapa and Germanpreet Singh – the most from any Indian club, receiving call-ups to the national camp prior to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Kyrgyz Republic on March 27, 2018.
The team will regroup under Gregory ahead of the Super Cup match against Aizawl FC on March 31.
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