ISL: Kerala Blasters ropes in David James as coach

“It is an honour to be given the opportunity to manage a team I fell in love with back in 2014. KBFC is a club that follows the values of their region with passion and support."

David James was Blasters' marquee player cum coach in 2014 and under him the team finished as the runner-up.

Former Kerala Blasters' Marquee player cum coach David James has been appointed as the coach of the Kochi-based ISL team. David James, who was on a tour to Asian countries, arrived in Kochi late on Tuesday night from Kuala Lumpur following a request from the Kerala Blasters' management.

David James held discussions with the team management and even attended the team's practice session in the evening leading to speculations that he will replace Rene Meulensteen, who had parted ways with the club on Tuesday on mutual agreement. Under James, Kerala Blasters finished as runner-up in the inaugural edition of the ISL.

“It is an honour to be given the opportunity to manage a team I fell in love with back in 2014. KBFC is a club that follows the values of their region with passion and support. I look forward to a new chapter in the history of the Club and for me too.” said David James.

“We are very happy to welcome back David James to Kerala Blasters FC family. He has been with us during the first ISL season and his understanding of the team and past interaction with them will be helpful to work with the team in an engaging manner at this juncture,” said Kerala Blasters FC CEO Varun Tripuraneni.