While Indian football is still some time away from a big-player signing,Tim Hankinsons 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:
amp;149; My career has been one of working for opportunities internationally. India and Asia is footballs 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. Ive 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?
amp;149; 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?
amp;149; Even though the I-League is a new competition,the team understand what it takes to win. Our key goal is to remain in the first division and build a team who compete for cups. Ill be able to evaluate goals better once Im with the team and have seen our competitiveness.
Any particular plans of initiating things?
amp;149; Pre-season is a time for building,not maintaining. To win,players must be willing to work with discipline and passion. Players who are not of that nature will have a difficult experience. Those who thrive in that philosophy will win. My job is to create a winning culture.
You and Indias national coach,Bob Houghton,have worked together for the MLS back in 1995-96. Are you looking forward to sharing ideas?
amp;149; Houghton and I had some interaction in the first year of MLS when he coached my former club Colorado Rapids. Working on a club and the national team go hand in hand. Coaches must work together to prepare and develop players to win cups at the club level and then to represent country. I look forward to seeing Houghton again.
Where will this Indian stint stand in your coaching career that includes names like Carlos Valderrama and Colorado Rapids?
amp;149; I have coached in Brazil,Guatemala,Iceland and throughout the USA. I believe the current stint will be the most exciting and challenging footballing and cultural experience of my career.
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