Simon Grayson Appointed as Head Coach of the Indian Football Team Former Bengaluru FC manager Simon Grayson has been appointed as the new head coach of the Indian football team by the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Grayson, who previously managed Blackpool, Preston North End, and Sunderland in England, takes over from Igor Stimac, who resigned in December 2022. The 54-year-old coach has extensive experience in club football and will be tasked with guiding India through the upcoming Asian Cup qualifiers and the 2023 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. “I am delighted and honored to be appointed as the head coach of the Indian football team,” said Grayson. “India has a rich footballing history and a passionate fan base, and I am excited to be a part of the journey to take the team to greater heights.” Grayson’s first assignment will be the three-nation friendly tournament in Kolkata from March 22-29, where India will face Cambodia and Afghanistan. This tournament will serve as preparation for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in June. “Our immediate focus is on the upcoming friendlies and the Asian Cup qualifiers,” added Grayson. “We have a talented squad, and I am confident that we can achieve success together.” AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey expressed his confidence in Grayson’s abilities. “Simon Grayson is a highly experienced and successful coach who has a proven track record in club football,” said Chaubey. “We believe he has the qualities to lead our team to success and achieve our long-term goals.” Grayson’s appointment is part of the AIFF’s larger vision to develop Indian football and make the country a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. The federation has been investing heavily in grassroots development and infrastructure, and Grayson’s experience and expertise will be invaluable in shaping the future of the game in India.Simon Grayson in Contention for India National Football Coach Role
Simon Grayson in Contention for India National Football Coach Role Former Bengaluru FC coach Simon Grayson is reportedly a leading contender to become the next head coach of the Indian national football team. Current coach Igor Stimac was dismissed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) after a series of disappointing performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Grayson, who has been out of management since leaving Bengaluru FC last December, is currently in talks for the role, according to Football Insider. The 54-year-old has extensive experience, having managed several clubs in the English Football League (EFL), including Leeds United and Preston North End. He led Leeds United to a memorable FA Cup third-round victory over Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United at Old Trafford in 2010. Grayson’s Experience in India Grayson’s most recent managerial role was with Bengaluru FC, where he coached from June 2022 to December 2023. During his time there, he led the team in 48 matches, recording 22 wins, 12 draws, and 14 losses. Under his leadership, Bengaluru FC finished second in both the Indian Super League and Indian Super Cup in the 2022/23 season. His success at Bengaluru FC and his experience in Indian football make him a strong candidate to lead the Indian national team. Grayson’s overall winning percentage across his 750+ career matches is 41.1%.
Ex-Bengaluru FC boss Simon Grayson has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next head coach of the Indian football team. Grayson, who left Bengaluru FC in December last year, has been linked with the India job for some time now. The 53-year-old has a wealth of experience in football management, having managed clubs like Preston North End, Blackpool, and Sunderland in England. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) is reportedly in advanced talks with Grayson, and an announcement is expected to be made soon. Grayson is believed to have impressed the AIFF with his plans to develop Indian football and his experience in working with young players. Grayson’s appointment as India’s coach would be a significant step for the AIFF, as it would be the first time that a foreign coach has been appointed to lead the team in over a decade. Grayson’s arrival would also be a boost for Indian football, as he is a highly respected coach with a proven track record of success. He is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to get the best out of his players. The AIFF is hoping that Grayson can help India qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2023 and improve the team’s FIFA ranking. India is currently ranked 106th in the world, and has not qualified for the Asian Cup since 2011.
