Chennaiyin FC coach Gregory looks to bring side back to glory
Chennaiyin FC 's new boss John Gregory is determined to get the side back to winning ways after their seventh-placed finish last season. The side has announced the signing of Spanish full-back Inigo Calderon for the next season, after his contract with his former Cypriot team expired this summer.
The leaky
Gregory believes that the Vitoria-born could bring into his dressing room the much-needed leadership and vision, which has evidently gone missing since their 2015 feat.
The Chennaiyin FC coach said, “Inigo is a player I know very well from his time in England with Brighton. He is not only a top-class defender but also a leader on and off the pitch. His quality and experience are going to add great value to our
An academy product of Deportivo Alaves, Calderon started his professional career with third-tier Spanish club Alicante CF. Three unimpressive seasons at the club led to his release in 2005, and it was his boyhood club that came to his rescue. Alaves, then a La Liga2 side, gave him a break in their first eleven and he got a chance to prove his grit.
However, it was his move to English side Brighton and Hove Albion two years later that brought him to the fore. The Spaniard played a crucial role in helping the Seagulls move up to the Championship (second-tier English football) and even was on the verge of promoting them to the Premier league too, but Brighton saw themselves losing in the playoffs twice- in 2013 and 2014. He was also voted the club’s player of the season by the supporters.
Calderon, however, didn’t choose to renew his contract with the club and moved to Cyprus in 2016. His defensive displays helped Anorthosis Famagusta to finish in a decent sixth position in the league, but his aged feet weren’t a risk worth taking for the European side anymore.
It is definitely worth a gamble in ISL though, which has seen numerous aged players making a mark in the last few years. And Calderon, who comes on a free transfer for the 2017-18 season, would have a challenging task adapting to the change.
Speaking to the media, Inigo said, “I am excited about this new challenge of moving to India and playing for Chennaiyin FC. Following a conversation with John, I did not have to think twice about this move as I see huge potential in the Indian Super League and hope to contribute further to its growth but more importantly help the club win back the title they won two years ago.”