A new season and a new hope for the Red Miners who are looking to make it the playoffs for the first time in the club’s history.
The Tata Group owned club head into their 4th Hero ISL season and they will be hopeful for a top 4 finish given the quality of players they have brought in.
Last Season’s Performance :
Jamshedpur FC finished 8th on the table under Spanish Head Coach Antonio Iriondo. They (JFC) were surely one of the contenders to make it to the final four of the ISL but they lost momentum midway through the season. Injuries played a major role in ruining their campaign.
Transfer Window Activies :
Another Season, Another Head Coach for the Men of Steel. Jamshedpur FC have roped in Chennaiyin FC’s messiah Owen Coyle. The side from Jamshedpur enjoyed their summer transfer window under the Scottish manager.
Additions :
Owen Coyle has brought in his kingpin Nerijus Valskis who won the Golden boot last season to bolster their attack. Former Motherwell FC skipper Peter Hartley and Nigerian international Steven Eze have joined Coyle’s army to look after the backline. To look after things in the middle of the park the club haw signed Brazilian midfielder Alex Lima. To fullfill the Asian quota Australian winger Nicholas Fitzgerald has joined them.
They have made some impressive Indian signings too. Jackichand Singh has made a move to Jamshedpur from FC Goa. Ricky Lallawmawna and Laldinliana Renthlei have joined Coyle to strengthen their defense. In attack, William Lalmunfela has joined the redminers to provide more solidity to their Indian core. Former Northeast United FC goalkeeping duo TP Rehenesh and Pawan Kumar have also joined them.
Released Players :
A lot to talk about in terms of the players who parted ways with the club. India’s ‘Spiderman’ Subrata Paul has joined the Nizams of Hyderabad for the upcoming season and second choice keeper Rafique Ali has left for SC East Bengal. Jamshedpur FC’s outstanding performer Farukh Choudhary has signed for his home club Mumbai City FC and Sumeet Passi has joined Round Glass Punjab FC.
Memo Moura has switched colours to Chennaiyin FC. Sergio Castel has made a move back to his parent club Atletico Madrid B. Tiri has joined hands with Antonio Lopez Habas’s ATK MohunBagan. Noe Costa and Piti have been released by the club.
Squad :
Goalkeepers: Pawan Kumar, Niraj Kumar, TP Rehenesh
Defenders: Narender Gahlot, Joyner Lourenco, Ricky Lallawmawma, Sandip Mandi, Laldinliana Renthlei, Karan Amin, Peter Hartley, Jitendra Singh, Stephen Eze
Midfielders: Aitor Monroy, Alex Lima, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Aniket Jadhav, Jackichand Singh, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Mobashir Rahman, Bhupender Singh
Forwards: Nerijus Valskis, William Lalnunfela, Nicholas Fitzgerald, David Grande.
Strengths :
Coyle has a side full of players who love playing attacking football. So, their strength will anyday be their experienced and lethal attack. The likes Valskis, David Grande, Jackichand Singh are the one of the best in business. The bring some invaluable experience to the table. Owen Coyle will be looking to make the most out his attacking kingpins.
Weaknesses :
Overall Owen Coyle has build a great side but they couldn’t cover all the areas. The lack of experienced Indian players could be a point of concern for Jamshedpur FC. The team is full of young guns and experience surely plays a vital role in such competitive leagues.
Players to watch out for :
Nerijus Valskis :
The first player to watch out for is none other than the Golden boot winner of the 2019-20 season, Nerijus Valskis. The Lithuanian target man was at his best last season and was Coyle’s go to player. The 32 years old scored 15 goals and took home the inconic golden boot. He has signed for the men of steel on a 2 year deal and will be looking to start things off from where he left.
Peter Hartley :
The Englishman led his former side to 3rd place finish in the Scottish top flight. Peter Hartley will be captaining the Red Miners in the seventh edition of Hero ISL. He is one of most high profile signings this season and is expected to play a key role in changing Jamshedpur FC’s fortunes.
Jackichand Singh :
The pacy winger was Lobera’s most trusted player on the wings at Goa. He is arguably the best Indian signing for the club this season. He netted 5 goals and assisted 3 last season. Owen Coyle and company will hope that 28 years old continues to show his heroics on the wings.
Jamshedpur FC kickoff their season on November 24 against the two time champions Chennaiyin FC.