Sam Allardyce expresses interest in becoming India national team head coach

The former England tactician has prior experience of plying his trade for several clubs in the Premier League.

After a disappointing AFC Asian Cup exit earlier this year, Stephen Constantine stepped down as the head the coach of the Indian national team and since then the All India Football Federation is on an extensive search for the perfect candidate.

The governing body had officially posted a vacancy for the job and received a huge number of applications until its deadline on 29th March. Several renowned coaches expressed their interest in acquiring the position including Antonio Habas, the former ATK and FC Pune City boss and even Sven Goran Eriksson, a vastly experienced coach who was the former manager of England during two World Cups as well as Manchester City in the Premier League.

Apart from them, followers and close observers of the national team also suggested that NorthEast United head coach Eelco Schattorie would be a perfect fit for the position, while some think FC Goa boss Sergio Lobera would be an ideal candidate.

While the discussions and debates go on, another surprisingly big name in the field, Sam Allardyce  has expressed his interest in the job. The 64-year-old comes with a huge experience from English football, having previously managed top tier teams like Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Sunderland and Everton. 'Big Sam', as he is famously called in the football community, has even had a short managerial stint with the Three Lions and is currently a free agent, with Goodison Park being his last destination.

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With so many big names on the table, the AIFF now faces a tough task to pick the the best candidate. A report from Sportstar read that the body will submit a shortlist of coaches to the Technical Committee, after reviewing their applications.

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“We have received a lot of applications and now the process of shortlisting will begin. The Technical Committee will be informed of the shortlisted candidates and based on their view, the coach will be finalised,” a senior AIFF official said.

The report further states that the AIFF is looking to make the announcement of a new head coach at the earliest, with 15th April being believed as a tentative date.