Would be happy to talk to an interested IPL-styled franchise – Trevor Morgan Exclusive Part Two

The 2012 FPAI (Football Players’ Association of India) Coach of the Year added that instead of complaining about the lack of infrastructure, getting the right people can solve that problem.

“Kalyani has one of the best natural playing surfaces in India, if it can be done there why not elsewhere? Everyone will say there is a lack of infrastructure, but with the right people in charge and good planning this can be overcome and Indian football will get the benefit from it,” he opined.

In recent times, besides Armando Colaco, no other coach has been able to remain at one club for a long period. The lack of stability has been seen especially at Kolkata clubs but Morgan reckons it all comes down to the results.

“I spent three years there and the option of a fourth was my decision to turn down, winning will always be the key to how long we have in a job. If I was unsuccessful in my first season I have no doubt I would not have been offered a new contract. I understand that it is football,” the 56-year-old said.

The former Birmingham City and Exeter City striker however believes support from the club management is mandatory and undue interference doesn’t help the cause.

“We all have different ideas of what being a professional is, as long as everyone has the same ambitions and we all pull in the same direction there will be no problems so I think that when the officials employ someone to do a job they should leave them to do it and do nothing more than give them their support and backing, it is when the people who employ you try to impose their power and ideas that the problems begin. Every coach needs support from the people above them otherwise the job becomes extremely difficult,” Morgan commented.

The majority of East Bengal fans would have still preferred to see Morgan continue as the head coach but the three-year association has come to an end so where does his future lie now?

“My plans will always be determined by someone else; if I am offered a job I will look at it and think about it. I am at this time just taking some time out to spend with my family, who I have seen very little of over the past three years,” he replied.

Morgan is open to returning to India but as per his last contract with East Bengal, he cannot join another I-League club for one season. However the former striker would be eligible to take charge of a franchise at IMG-Reliance’s proposed IPL-style tournament and Morgan admitted that he would be happy to speak to an interested franchise.

“I would be open to returning to India but as I say that will not be my decision. I would first of all have to be offered a position. I have heard about it (IPL-style tournament) and if a franchise was interested in my services I would be happy to talk with them,” he said.

Finally, we asked Morgan’s advice for any new foreign coach in India and his words could be useful for his successor Marcos Falopa, who was unveiled by East Bengal on Tuesday.

“Come with an open mind, have no preconceptions, accept it for what it is and then try to change what you feel should be changed. Listen to other people’s opinions but be your own man, make your decisions and stand by them,” he concluded.