In an exclusive interview, former SC East Bengal assistant coach Tony Grant shared his experience on East Bengal, Indian Super League, Red & Gold Fans and about the most beautiful game of football with www.EBRP.in
EBRP: Hi Tony, how are you doing?
TG: Hi guys, yes I’m very good. Thank you, enjoying my time with my granddaughter and catching up on the future games.
EBRP: Tony please share your experience with SC East Bengal.
TG: My experience was nothing but pleasurable, from meeting a group of staff from different cultures was a pleasure and each of them were outstanding individuals. Meeting and working with a new group of professionals was also a pleasure, an eye opening and an experience above for which I am grateful.
EBRP: What prompted you and Robbie to opt out of SC East Bengal?
TG: The plan and vision which we and the investor shared at the start of the journey changed, this was due to the wrangling with the club officials and sadly football lost and the vision was no more.
EBRP: Comparatively how would you rate the squad you had in hand and the squad that will feature in the upcoming ISL?
TG: I think if you look at the squad we inherited, then you all would get to see that not many were recruited by other ISL teams which will give you an indication of their level. I believe the club officials recruited the squad for I league. The players worked hard and gave their best but the sudden jump to ISL was a huge test for them. We were able to bring a couple of new players in January and we went 8 unbeaten and fighting for top 4 for a while which was a huge achievement. The current squad has some untried players but younger and I’m sure with a much longer preparation time the coach can have them fighting for the top end of the league table.
EBRP: There has been a lot of controversy regarding the 3-back-system last time. How do you see it?
TG: Systems are not why you win or lose, don’t forget we had only 10 days to prepare a new group of players we had no prior games to test anything, you have to take into account fitness levels but results are normally decided through good player decisions, brilliance, luck, match officials decisions. With good players, I’m sure this season you all will see a back 4, and maybe it will be better.
EBRP: How will you compare the foreign players’ contingent between your stint and the present foreign squad?
TG: With a new club and a vision for the future we decided to bring the right types of players in. Ones who will work hard and help the Indian players to develop further. We suffered with injuries and suspensions and not having a goal scorer, we thought we would get by until the right player becomes available. For the new players this time we will have to wait and watch how they perform.
EBRP: How would you rate the SC East Bengal management in terms of professionalism?
TG: There are areas in which we can all improve but this club needs a vision and strong foundation. The fans you will always have but to move forward you need a vision. The staff we inherited were very open to new ideas and professional people and the management was good. If the club can resolve their issues then the future may be bright.
EBRP: We have heard that Bright Enobakhare was suggested to the management by you. If you can please share something about the recruitment story of Bright.
TG: Bright played in the UK as a young 17 year old boy so I knew him for many years. When he became available and we had room then it was an easy decision and arguably the most talented boy to play in India in my opinion.
EBRP: How would you rate ISL as a league and what are the areas where ISL needs improvement?
TG: It is a league that is improving year on year, lots of audience worldwide and in India the only place to play for. It needs to bring officials and 4th officials up to the correct level and VAR would be brilliant. Young Players are improving and with such a big country with more investment in youth development I can see them reach a World Cup.
EBRP: What’s next in the pipeline for you as a professional coach?
TG: In life of football opportunities change week on week so let’s see.
EBRP: We (East Bengal the Real Power) have always stood firm beside the East Bengal squad irrespective of good and bad times. How do you see us as an East Bengal fans organisation? Would you like to advise us about anything?
TG: We have to remember fans are the foundation of every club, without you we are nothing, remember you are always entitled to your opinion but there are ways to say this, just keep supporting East Bengal and await the day you are back in the stadium shouting and cheering for your team hopefully in an ISL game.
