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1 January 2003

Firstly let we wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.
I start the year with the Indian senior team as we prepare for the South Asian Federation Cup, which takes place in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

I’ve spent the last few weeks in England packing things up and getting the family ready for the move to India. I feel good about the move and am really looking forward to having a successful stay in India.

After the win in the LG Cup by our U-23s and the positive results we achieved at the Asian Games we are optimistic that we can continue our good form in the SAFF Cup.

We have been drawn against Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan - a tough group. I’m sure we are being tipped to do well but the fact remains that India as a senior national team last played in April 2000 in the World Cup qualifiers, and not having played at that level for so long is a real problem.

We will, however, go all out to build on our recent good performances.

On a personal front we are now in the process of settling in Goa where the main offices of the All India Football Federation are located. Goa is also home to four of India’s national league teams.

It is a lovely place and the family are enjoying the warm weather and the kindness of the Goan people.

The New Year promises to be hectic and there is a great deal of work to be done but I wouldn’t have it any other way. As ever, I’m really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Happy New Year

Stephen