Odisha FC
Odisha FC have appointed experienced Stuart Baxter as their new head coach. The former England U-19 and South Africa national coach has signed a contract which will see him in charge of the Indian Super League side for the 2020/21 season.
The 66-year-old gaffer was born in Wolverhampton, England to Scottish parents. Baxter started his career as a professional footballer at Preston North End, before he went on to play for Morecambe FC, Dundee United, Stockport County, South Melbourne FC (twice), Landskrona BoIS, Helsingborgs IF, San Diego Sockers, and Örebro SK.
Baxter started his coaching career as a youth coach at Swedish side Örebro SK. Thereafter he went on a global journey of coaching at IF Skarp, Vitoria Setubal, Halmstads BK, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Vissel Kobe, AIK Solna, Lyn FK, England U-19 MNT, South Africa MNT, Helsingborgs IF, Finland MNT, Kaizer Chiefs, Gençlerbirligi, SuperSport United and a second stint with the South Africa MNT.
Dr. Anil Sharma, Founder and CEO of GMS – the parent company of Odisha FC, said, “I am delighted to welcome Coach Stuart Baxter to Odisha FC! We conducted an extensive global search for a coach that matched our vision for the next phase of OFC. We are excited that Stuart is both motivated and experienced to create a championship club, develop our Indian starlets into national team players, and strengthen our youth academy, in order to have a consistent inflow of talent into the Odisha FC Squad.”
“I am sure the fans and the Odia community will be pleased with our decision and welcome Coach Stuart to Odisha with open arms. I wish him good health and the very best of luck for a highly successful stay at Odisha FC. I am confident that he will make us proud! Welcome Aboard,” Dr. Sharma added.
Speaking on his appointment, Baxter said, “I’m pleased to say that Odisha FC and I have reached an agreement for the upcoming ISL season. I’m looking forward to the challenge of Indian football and the opportunity to develop players and coaches in India. I’d like to wish all the supporters, players and staff good health during these testing times. Together we will bring joy and success to the region.”
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of Indian football and the opportunity to develop players and coaches in India. I’d like to wish all the supporters, players and staff good health during these testing times. Together we will bring joy and success to the region,” Baxter added.