Kerala Blasters set to sign former NorthEast United assistant coach Shaun Ontong

The 32-year-old was invaluabe in the Highlanders' inspiring performance last season.

Kerala Blasters are set to rope in former NorthEast United assistant coach Shaun Ontong for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

This development comes after the Blasters appointed Eelco Schatorrie as their new head coach. Ontong was Schattorie's assistant at NorthEast United, where the duo inspired the Highlanders to qualify for the Indian Super League playoffs, for the first time in the club's history.

The Highlanders finished fourth in the regular league table with seven wins and eight draws. However, they lost against eventual champions Bengaluru FC in the playoffs. Schatorrie's men defeated Bengaluru 2-1 in the first leg, but owing to injuries they lost the second 3-0, bowing out from their maiden race to the finale.

Ontong, 32, is one of the youngest and finest coaches from Down Under working overseas and has proven his credentials in a short span of time here in India. His camaraderie with the Dutchman was the reason for a terrific season for the Guwahati-based ISL outfit.

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The Blasters had a very underwhelming season last time out where they managed to win only two matches, with nine of them ended in a draw. Kerala Blasters started the season with David James at the helm, but the former England international was sacked midway into the campaign, after most of the players majorly underperformed.

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Former NorthEast United tactician Nelo Vingada came to steer the sinking ship to calmer waters, but could no do much, as the Blasters were even knocked out of the Super Cup after a 0-2 defeat against Indian Arrows.

The appointment of Ontong will help Schatorrie to work more freely at their new club. However, the Manjapadda faithful will be hoping that the duo strikes gold once again and can replicate their last term's performance in the upcoming season.