TERRY PHELAN HAS been announced as the new head coach of Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters.
The former Republic of Ireland international has enjoyed a rather unique time over the last fifteen years or so – swapping English football for a long stint abroad.
He was a player-coach at USA club Charleston Battery between 2001 and 2005 before moving to New Zealand and initially taking up a similar role at Otago United.
In 2009, he returned to British shores and spent time coaching at various academies.
But earlier this year, he was brought to India by the Blasters who appointed him as the technical director of their grassroots programme.
And now, the ex-Manchester City, Wimbledon and Everton left-back has been selected as the man to reverse the senior team’s fortunes.
Under former Leicester City (and briefly England caretaker boss) Peter Taylor, the Blasters – who were narrowly beaten in last year’s final – won just one of their first seven league games and are currently rooted to the bottom of the table.
Unsurprisingly, Taylor was sacked earlier this week and Phelan has been handed the opportunity to impress.
An Irish international between 1991 and 2000, the Manchester-born defender won 42 caps and featured at the 1994 World Cup.
