NortEast United secure services of Khalid Jamil as assistant coach

The tactician's previous role was a stint as head coach of I-League outfit Mohun Bagan.

Former I-League-winning coach Khalid Jamil has joined NorthEast United as their assistant coach, the club announced on Wednesday. The former Mohun Bagan tactician will also be the head of the youth academy of the Highlanders.

Jamil is a highly-experienced pro license holding coach in the I-league circuit. He has managed clubs like Mumbai FC, Aizawl FC, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. With limited resources at Mumbai FC, he did a great job and exceeded all expectations when the club finished sixth in the league table in 2015.

However, his greatest feat came later with Aizawl, where he guided the northeast outfit to their maiden I-League title. It was a historic moment in Indian football, as the outfit toiled hard throughout the season and against all odds they came up with a surprise triumph in the 2016/17 campaign.

The following season he joined East Bengal, but failed to win the league with the Red and Gold, despite having a superior team and facilities. He took a hiatus from coaching and was again called back to the touchline by Mohun Bagan last season. The Mariners were in dire straits in the middle of the term and the former Mumbai FC man somewhat steadied the sinking ship, with the Green and Maroons ending their campaign in fifth position.

This will be Jamil's maiden foeay in the Indian Super League, as he will look to unearth some talented youngsters and nurture them at the club and also assist the head coach for the upcoming season.

NorthEast United had Eelco Schattori at the helm last campaign, as they qualified for the playoffs for the first time in their history. They bowed out in the last four against eventual winners Bengaluru FC. However, since then, Schatorrie has left for Kerala Blasters, also taking star striker Bartholemew Ogbeche along with him. Defender Mateo Grgic has joined Mumbai City FC and assistant coach Shaun Ontong has also left to join his former boss at Kerala.

It will be a challenge for Khalid Jamil but considering his vast knowledge and experience in Indian football he must pass this test with flying colours.