ISL: Kerala Blasters appoint Terrence Phelan as head coach

Kochi: Kerala Blasters on Sunday announced the appointment of Irishman Terrence "Terry" Phelan as their new head coach.

Phelan succeeds English coach Peter Taylor who was sacked by the India Super League (ISL) franchise after a string of poor results.

Taylor was in charge of the Kochi-based franchise for six games managing just four points to be doomed at the bottom of the standings of the eight-team tournament.

Blasters currently remain in the bottom position (five points from seven matches) after managing to draw their last match against Chennaiyin FC 1-1 under assistant coach Trevor Morgan on Saturday.

"We have been working with Terry during the last one year on the Kerala Blasters Football Schools initiative, and his contribution in this regard has been immense," Viren D’silva, CEO, Kerala Blasters, said in a statement.

"He has interacted with the squad from the start of the season, and the players share a comfortable rapport with him."

"I think Terry will allow the players to express themselves in the attacking brand of football that the fans deserve. His technical prowess combined with his international experience will prove a valuable asset to the Kerala Blasters for the remainder of the season."

The 48-year-old Phelan, a left-back in his playing days, represented his country 42 times and played in the 1994 World Cup.

He played for top English Premier League clubs for Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton in a career over two decades.