ISL 2017: Teddy Sheringham rejected offers from Premier League clubs to join ATK

What’s the story?

Former England legend Teddy Sheringham may have signed as the head coach of defending ISL champions ATK, but we could very well have seen him in the dugouts of the Premier League, where a number of clubs are said to have offered him the role of an assistant manager.

In case you didn’t know…

Sheringham is one of the biggest names from around the world of football to join as the coach of a side in ISL, having played for top Premier League clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the past.

However, he has not been as successful as a manager, having taken charge of Stevenage last year, in League Two, the fourth tier of English football. He was subsequently sacked from that post after Stevenage managed only three points from his last eight matches.

Heart of the matter

While Sheringham is currently the boss at ATK, he did have a few offers from a number of English during the offseason, according to sources close to the former Manchester United man. Some of these clubs were said to have been from the Premier League as well.

Our source reveals that Championship side Sunderland had also offered him the role of an assistant manager at the club. However, Sheringham seems to have turned down these offers, preferring a move to India, where he took over the reins at two-time ISL champions ATK.

What’s next?

It has not exactly been a cake-walk in India for Sheringham, so far in ISL 2017. His side has played four matches so far, managing only two points from them. While they have looked toothless up front, that could be attributed to injuries suffered by star striker Robbie Keane and midfielder Carl Baker, who was released from the squad earlier this month.

However, ATK did look to have a potent attack against Chennaiyin, once Keane came on as a substitute, on his return from injury. They mounted a good comeback in the end, only going on to lose the match 3-2. Sheringham will be hoping that his team builds on this performance, and rises up the table.

Author’s take

It is a great advert for Indian football, to see such a high-profile coach rejecting offers from top English clubs to take up a job in India. However, the former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur man needs to improve the performances of his side soon, as the expectations on the defending champions are high.