Hindustan Times

Monday, December 17, 2001

Stephen Constantine's cell-phone doesn't stop ringing. It must be the busiest phone in Brighton. That is why perhaps, he is more at ease in the huge shopping malls in this tiny port town and not at the dazzling sea front that can be such a sight for eyes growing sore with London's amazing greyness.

On the mind of one of the only two FIFA instructors in the whole of England, is how quickly he can get his laptop computer in working order, and the burgeoning idea of his possible link with the top football coaching job in India.

 There is this guarded enthusiasm about the latter. While he flits about the electronic stores sizing up each laptop, he lets in nuggets on how he would take to the job in India, when he does. Then he corrects himself. "If I do," he says.  

Such enthusiasm for the possible job of National football coach in India, and one doesn't find the heart to tell him that the indications back home are to appoint him coach of the youth and age-group teams. And that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is keen to persist with an Indian coach for the senior team.

Still, the final outcome of the deal notwithstanding - if he joins as Indian coach, he would at 38 years be the youngest coach of India - it is still a very enlightening experience to spend an evening talking football with a man who is as un-English as he appears and thinks.

With years of life spent in the United States, Cyprus and more recently Nepal, Constantine packs in ideas and freshness that would just be what a young Indian team may need. Currently an assistant Director at the Centre of Excellence at AFC Bournemouth, and as Director for a Youth Academy in Chichester, Constantine also doubles up as a scout.

He scouts for a number of first and second division clubs. As part of his FIFA duties, he had made a recent trip to Iran for a training programme for coaches and young players. He was even offered the job of manager of Pirouzzi, the Iranian club. Offers come thick and fast. He had to refuse the Vietnam national team offer only weeks before this talk.  

"It's very strange," says Constantine of the traditional English suspicion of new or different footballing techniques. "If you have not played top flight football in England, and when you become a coach later, there is no respect. They do not regard you as same"  

This is indeed strange given that Constantine is the only one of two FIFA instructors in a footballing culture where despite the extinction of the player-manager, veteran players are turning young coaches each day. Ray Clemence, former England goalkeeper, is the only other FIFA instructor here.  

Constantine trailed as a player with Chelsea and Millwal, and later when his family moved to the US, was a player in the American Soocer League where a cruciate ligament injury ended his career at the age of 28.

< "There is no great fun then, coaching in England," he laments. That could be the reason why Constantine is so keen on the Indian job even though he tires hard not to show it."There is no concrete offer yet," he says, adding, "yes, but I'm very flattered about being linked with the job."

Constantine has watched the Indians from close quarters as coach of the Nepalese team during the SAF Games in 1999. Yet, he seeks a young visage to the team. "Tell, me about IM Vijayan," he asks suddenly leaning forward. "Can he still play like he used to when I saw him in 1999? Is he still as fit?" he inquiries.  

And then he asks: "Is he interested in coaching?" He reveals the reason for his questions. In his large view for the betterment of Indian football, Constantine hopes to invoke the services of the ace veteran striker as an assistant coach - someone who will sit next to him during matches and work alongside him.

It is these views that may actually change the fortunes of a side dogged by underachievement and footballing system bogged by traditional bureaucraticennui. "I would want to visit every club in India, spend time interacting with Indian coaches and give them the attention they need," he says.

"I think India needs to be able to identify the talent at a young age," explains Constantine. "We need good coaches and coach education is the key," he says.

Constantine comes armed with a host ofrecommendations. The director of the Goal Project, Jurg Nepher, had recommended Constantine for the FIFA post. And now, if need be, FIFA appears willing to send ahead a letter of recommendation for the Indian job.

Yet, he is still waiting for a reply from the AIFF, and if one knows the ways of the Indian governing body, it will be quite a wait.

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