I.M. Vijayan sets himself new goals

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After earning his AFC B-license six months ago, I.M. Vijayan had a successful stint coaching Southern Samithy in the Kolkata Football League, but the ‘black pearl’ of Indian football is gearing up for a new avatar.

If things go as planned, Vijayan will be the coach of the new Kerala Police Football Team and is expecting to take up his duties very soon.

The 42-year-old said he was looking forward to returning to the club where he started his professional career.

“Now I only have one thing in mind and that is to join the Kerala Police and start coaching. I understand they have a young squad and it is my wish to make the team what it once was — one of the best in the country,” said Vijayan.

After ending his playing days with East Bengal, Vijayan has been keen to be associated with football, but is not quite happy with the acceptance the sport gets these days, unlike the time when he was a sensation on the pitch.

“I don’t know whether it is to do with public mentality, but we hardly see good support for football.

Kozhikode was once a haven for football and footballers. People were so passionate about the game that both the home team and the visiting side had equal support, but those times are now past,” said Vijayan.

Despite hanging up his boots, Vijayan follows Indian football very closely especially the I-League and he felt that Chirag United Kerala was a good team.

“They have transformed into a better side since the last season and it is a good sign for the club. I think the more the game is played, the more people follow it.

Nowadays you don’t see much football being played.”

Vijayan was glad that I-League was getting back to Kochi and to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium which is now a world class facility.

“I have a lot of fond memories of the stadium, but I really wonder if we will have a decent crowd even if the national tournament gets here,”he quizzes.

The former international player who netted 39 goals in his 79 appearances for the country is glad that the national side has made immense progress in recent years.

However, he feels that the retirement of Bhaichung Bhutia has left a serious void in the forward department.