ISL: Owen Coyle returns to Chennaiyin FC as head coach, signs multi-year deal

Hero Indian Super League outfit Chennaiyin FC has confirmed the much-anticipated return of Owen Coyle as their head coach. Coyle has signed a multi-year deal, the club announced on Sunday ahead of the 2023-24 season.

Coyle has all the experience in the Indian football circuit as he led Marina Machans to glory in the 2019-20 season. Subsequently, Coyle also led Jamshedpur FC to Hero League Shield triumph in ISL 2021-22 season with a total of 43 points, which was the highest at the time, after winning 13 out of the 20 league stage matches.

“We’re delighted to have Owen back in Chennaiyin colours. Owen is no stranger to India and we’ve all seen what he can do here. He’s the right man to lead our young team forward and we’re glad to have him back home,” Chennaiyin co-owner Vita Dani commented.

Coyle brings to the table his vast experience of coaching in the English Premier League. The veteran also had successful stints in the Major League Soccer (MLS) with Houston Dynamos in the United States.

The Scotsman is delighted to once again join hands with Chennaiyin FC ahead of the upcoming ISL season.

An excited Coyle said, “Really excited to be back at Chennaiyin FC. It was a wonderful experience the last time. The club has had fantastic success and we want to try and replicate that. It’s going to be tough; we know that but we all love the challenge of that in football. I’m excited to replicate the successes that the club had previously for our wonderful fans and I look forward to seeing them soon.”

Coyle will take charge of the club in August. In fact, Marina Machans could not even qualify for the playoffs in the previous season and Coyle will look to get the best out of his players.