ISL: David James to coach Kerala Blasters until 2020/21

Former England goalkeeper David James has penned a three-year contract with Kerala Blasters.

David James was Kerala Blasters' first ever coach during the 2014 season.

Indian Super League club Kerala Blasters announced on Sunday that its coach David James has penned a three-year contract which will keep him at the club until 2020/21.

The former England goalkeeper returned to the club for a second stint in the first week of January, following the sacking of Rene Meulensteen. Under James, Blasters came finished sixth on the points table to earn an automatic qualification into the first-ever Indian Super Cup.

“Blasters and I are committed to improving both on and off the field. Together, with our huge fan base, we want the Blasters to be playing at the highest level,” said James, a former England World Cupper.

“Indian football has come a long way since I first experienced it in 2014. I am excited at what the future may hold and what role the Kerala Blasters team will play in that.”

Assistant Coach, Herman Hreidarsson, has also signed a contract extension.

Going into the Super Cup, Blasters are yet to confirm the availability of the former Manchester United duo Dimitar Berbatov and Wes Brown for the tournament. “I will have to have a conversation with them first,” James revealed after his side's match against Bengaluru FC on Thursday.

"The information about the Super Cup came in late. I do hope so (that the pair will stay back)," he added.

However, Berbatov may have signaled his intentions when he took a dig at the former Liverpool and Portsmouth player's tactics on his Instagram page, earlier in the day.

Posting a picture of himself on a plane, he wrote: '#worstwannabecoachever #worsttacticaladvice.

'ChipTheBallToStrikersChestAndWeTakeItFromThere/WTF/WhoPlayLikeThis.

'#seasonfinished #timetogohome.'