‘Unfinished business’

“There is definitely some unfinished business to take care of this time around,” says Booth. “In 2003, Mahindra also became the first Indian team to win a trophy abroad by lifting the President’s Cup in Maldives. Our sights were firmly set on winning the I-League the following season,” he adds. But Booth cut off his ties with Mahindra soon after, and they went on to to be crowned national champions the following year.

Booth has taken charge of two national teams — Myanmar and Brunei — and a number of clubs in various countries like Ghana, Maldives, Vietnam and Thailand. And though he always relishes a fresh challenge, he reveals that he prefers managing a club side.

“I am more comfortable with having to work on a day-to-day basis rather than having to spend six months on the sidelines doing nothing,” he says.

Coaching Pakistan?

Winning the I-League title with Mahindra may be his immediate goal and Booth reveals that he could be crossing borders in a few years time. But this is one challenge that the super-coach is not exactly looking forward to.

“My agents back home are of Pakistani origin and they have been trying to convince me to take charge of the Pakistan national team, but it will take a lot of convincing,” insists Booth.