Picture courtesy: Indian Super League (ISL) / IMG-Reliance

Kerala Blasters FC have announced that Peter Taylor, former England team Head coach, will lead the Kerala Blasters as marquee manager in the next edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). As marquee manager, Peter will work closely with assistant coach Trevor Morgan and drive the team’s strategy in the league. Kerala Blasters was the runner-up of the inaugural edition of the ISL in 2014.

Taylor is an English Football former player and also had served two terms as head coach of the England under-21 team, and took charge of the England national team for one game. He recently managed England under-20 team in 2013.

It was Peter who first handed over the armband to David Beckham as the England captain’s when he took charge in November 2000. Most recently Peter took charge of the Bahrain national team in 2011 and led them to victory at the first GCC games in Manama, the first time Bahrain had won a regional competition in its history. It was followed by a Gold at the 2011 Arab Games in Doha.

Taylor has been the manager of Dartford, Southend United, Dover Athletic, Leicester City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Hull City, Crystal Palace, Stevenage Borough, Wycombe Wanderes, Brandford City and Gillingham.

“ISL inaugural season was a huge success and I’m sure it will get better and better. The league had laid strong foundation in its first season to nurture Indian football. I’m personally impressed with the support that Kerala Blasters have received in the inaugural edition. Kerala has a strong legacy in Indian football and I am looking forward to working with the team and share the passion for football with the fans,” said Peter Taylor.

Viren D’Silva, General Manager, Kerala Blasters team said, “The ISL is a great platform to unearth talent for the national team. We are confident Peter will groom younger players into the stars of tomorrow. With the right philosophy and attitude Kerala will aim to be among the top performers in the second edition.”