Kerala Blasters FC has made significant changes to the team for the second edition of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) as they prepare to stake their claim to the ISL trophy. The team had finished as runners-up in the inaugural edition of 2014. Muthoot Pappachan Group continues its association with Kerala Blasters as the main sponsor of the team. The team will continue training at the Greenfield Stadium, where they will play further practice matches, before heading to Kochi. Kerala Blasters will host North East United at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi in their first match on October 6, 2015.
L-R-Mr.-Thomas Muthoot-Ex. Director-Muhtoot Pappachan-Group-Mr.-Sachin-Tendulkar,Honble CM of Kerala Mr.-Oommen Chandy Honble-Minister-of-Sports-Kerala-Mr.-Thiruvanchoor-Radhakrishnan-and Mr Thomasl-John-Mutho
Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar co-owner of Kerala Blasters said that, “I would like to thank Muthoot Pappachan Group for continuing their support to Kerala Blasters. We have enjoyed our association with Mr. Thomas George Muthoot and his entire team and look forward to making this second season even bigger for the scores of fans of Kerala Blasters. Indian Super League has made tremendous impact and provided a great platform for young Indian players to hone their skills and play with some of the best players from across the globe. Kerala Blasters had a memorable debut season. We keenly look forward to the team playing their special brand of football under the able leadership of Head Coach Peter Taylor, coach Trevor Morgan and Marquee player Carlos Marchena.’’
Mr. Thomas George Muthoot, Director, Muthoot Pappachan Group said that ‘’We are delighted to continue our association with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar and Kerala Blasters as Main sponsor. The team epitomizes our core values of creativity, teamwork and commitment. We had an exciting journey last year and are confident that Kerala Blasters will be the front-runner to win the second edition of Indian Super League. We appeal to all our fans for their whole hearted support to the team.
The players who have been retained, include Sandesh Jhingan, the talented right back who was voted ISL’s emerging Player of the Year in 2014. Partnering him in defense will be the familiar face of Gurwinder Singh, Ramandeep Singh & Saumik Dey, whereas Mehtab Hossain & Ishfaq Ahmed will anchor the midfield and the dependable Sandip Nandy will hold fort at the goal.
Head Coach – Peter Taylor
Coach – Trevor Morgan
Asst. Coauch – Ishfaq Ahmed
Forwards – Mohammed Rafi, CK Vineeth, Chris Dagnall, Antonio Timothy German, Sanchez Watt, Manandeep Singh
Midfielders – Mehtab Hossain, Victor Herreco Forcada, Joao Coimbra, Cavin Lobo, Peter Carvalho, Shankar Sampingiraj, Josue Currais Prieto
Defenders – Carlos Marchena, Peter Ramage, Marcus Williams, Bruno Perone, Gurwinder Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Saumik Dey,
Goalkeeper – Sandip Nandy, Stephen Bywater, Shilton Paul