Sunday 14 September 2014 12:39, UK
Former Sunderland boss Peter Reid insists he is looking forward to the challenge that awaits as manager of Mumbai City FC in the inaugural Indian Super League.
The 58-year-old, who also had managerial spells at Manchester City and Leeds, is about to depart for India in preparation for the start of the eight-team inter-city league on October 12.
And Reid, who will be assisted at Mumbai by compatriot Steve Darby, is excited about returning to Asia, following a year-long spell as Thailand national team boss, ending in 2009.
“I had a chat with some connections over in India and managed to land the Mumbai City manager’s job and it’s something I’m really looking forward to,” the former England midfielder told Sky Sports.
“It’s a new culture and a new experience in a sports-mad nation. Obviously cricket - my second love - is the major sport but some of the attendances at the soccer games are massive.
“I’m just delighted that I can go out there and help youngsters develop and try and make Mumbai City successful.”
Reports suggest former Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka will join Reid, after Mumbai beat off competition from FC Pune City for the 35-year-old’s signature.
Anelka has been without a club since his contract at West Brom was terminated last season as a result of the fallout from his controversial quenelle gesture.
Meanwhile, former UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cup winner Marco Materazzi is expected to be unveiled as player-manager of the league’s Chennai franchise.
The 41-year-old won 15 major titles during 10 years with Serie A side Inter, and had a season-long stay at Everton, either side of spells with Perugia earlier in his career.
Team Chennai are also understood to be scouring South America for attacking talent to boost their side after losing out to Mexican outfit Queretaro in the race to sign Brazilian forward Ronaldinho.
