While Indian football is still some time away from a big-player signing, Tim Hankinson’s appointment as Salgaocar SC coach might just be a step forward. Hankinson, who has coached former Columbia star Carlos Valderrama, US international Landon Donovan and MLS teams like Colorado Rapids and Tampa Bay Mutiny, spoke to The Indian Express about his Indian deal and the challenges of working with a newly promoted team. Excerpts:

How did the thought of coaching an Indian club cross your mind?

• My career has been one of working for opportunities internationally. India and Asia is football’s new frontier and helping the game grow in India is an exciting challenge. This opportunity came up through my agent Eddie Rock, who represents players in the I-League. I’ve been researching the clubs and football in India as well as the way of life, though nothing can take the place of being there and working at the game everyday.

You have a nine-year experience of coaching in MLS. How do you think is it going to help you?

• Remember that MLS was a new league when I started. It went through growing pains, rule experiments, roster challenges, salary cap, getting referees up to the standards. So, I understand that growing as a club and league has obstacles, limitations, and challenges. I hope I can use my experience to guide us through what lies ahead and find success through a positive approach.

Salgaocar SC just got promoted to the I-League. How different will be the challenge of handling affairs of a club fighting to be in the upper-tier competition?

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