Kerala Blasters Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Kochi, Kerala. The Blasters are one of the ten teams to have been part of the Indian Super League (ISL), the top tier of Indian football since its inception.[2] They play in the league under licence from All India Football Federation (AIFF). The club was established on 24 May 2014 and began their first professional season a few months later in October 2014.
The Blasters play their home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Kochi. The team has held the record for highest league attendance every season, regularly averaging over 55,000 fans a game.[3]
The Blasters played their inaugural match on 13 October 2014, losing 1–0 to NorthEast United. The club made it to the final of the Indian Super League in its inaugural season(2014). A extra time goal from Mohammed Rafique saw Kerala Blasters lose 1–0 to Atlético de Kolkata. The team did not qualify for the finals the next season, but they managed to make it to the final again in 2016. The team was once again defeated by Atlético de Kolkata, this time through penalties 4–3
History
Formation
In early 2014, the All India Football Federation, the governing body of association football in India, and IMG–Reliance announced that they would accept bids for the ownership of eight of the selected cities for the inaugural season of Indian Super League (ISL), a franchise football tournament modelled along the lines of the Indian Premier League (for cricket).[5] On 13 April 2014, it was announced that the rights to the Kochi franchise were won by former India cricket captain, Sachin Tendulkar, and serial entrepreneur Prasad V Potluri.[6] On 27 May 2014, the team's official name, Kerala Blasters FC was unveiled which was based on the nickname of co-owner Sachin Tendulkar who was known as Master Blaster during his playing days.[7]
Preparations for the first season started on 22 July when the Kerala Blasters, took part in the first domestic draft to select fourteen Indian players.[8] India international Mehtab Hossain was the first draft pick made by Kerala Blasters.[9] Besides Hossain, the team management selected Avinabo Bag, Sandip Nandy, Chinadorai Sabeeth, Luis Barreto, Milagres Gonsalves, Ramandeep Singh, Renedy Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Ishfaq Ahmed, Gurwinder Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Sushanth Mathew, and Godwin Franco for the team.[10]
On 13 August 2014, former England international goalkeeper, David James, was chosen as the first head coach and marquee player of the team.[11] On 21 August 2014, the team participated in the international draft where the management selected seven foreign players.[12] Former Newcastle United forward Michael Chopra was the first foreign player drafted by the Kerala Blasters.[13]
Inaugural season
See also: 2014 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2014 Indian Super League season
The Kerala Blasters played their first match on 13 October 2014 against NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. The Blasters lost 1–0 after Koke scored the only goal of the match in the 45th minute.[14] The club's first goal was scored by Iain Hume during their second match against Chennaiyin on 21 October. Despite the Canadian's goal, the club could not prevent another defeat as they lost 2–1 in Chennai.[15] It took the Kerala Blasters till their fourth game to get their first victory when they took on Pune City. Goals from Chinadorai Sabeeth and Penn Orji led the Blasters to a come from behind 2–1 victory.[16]
After having to play their first five matches away from home, the Kerala Blasters hosted their first home match on 6 November 2014 against Goa. A goal by Milagres Gonsalves led the Blasters to a home-debut 1–0 victory over the Goans in front of 49,517 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.[17] The Kerala Blasters managed to book their spot into the finals on 9 December 2014. A 1–0 victory over Pune City ensured the Kerala Blasters of qualification.[18]
The Kerala Blasters played their first finals match on 13 December 2014 against southern rivals, Chennaiyin. Despite not being considered the favorite to win the two-legged tie out of the two, the Kerala Blasters won the first leg at home 3–0 through goals from Ishfaq Ahmed, Iain Hume, and Sushanth Mathew.[19] During the second leg in Chennai, the Kerala Blasters suffered a massive setback. Despite entering the second leg with the three-goal advantage, Chennaiyin managed to draw the tie level by winning in regular time 3–0 themselves. However, in extra-time, the Kerala Blasters managed to strike back and score the decisive goal in the 117th minute from Stephen Pearson to win the tie 4–3 and thus enter the final.[20]
In the final, the Kerala Blasters took on Atlético de Kolkata at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Despite holding on for ninety minutes, it was Atlético de Kolkata that came out on top with a Mohammed Rafique goal in the 95th minute earning the Kolkata side the title with a 1–0 victory.[21]
2015 season
See also: 2015 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2015 Indian Super League season
After the 2014 season, it was announced that David James would not return to the club as head coach and marquee player. On 12 May 2015 it was announced that former England U20 head coach Peter Taylor would take over as the Blasters head coach.[22] New foreign signings coming into the season included Peter Ramage, Stephen Bywater, Bruno Perone, Sanchez Watt, João Coimbra, and marquee signing Carlos Marchena.[23]
The first match of the season was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with the Kerala Blasters hosting NorthEast United. The Kerala Blasters won 3–1 through goals from Josu, Mohammed Rafi, and Sanchez Watt.[24] However, the Blasters followed that victory drawing their next match against Mumbai City and then losing their next four matches which eventually led to the dismissal of Peter Taylor as head coach.[25] Assistant coach Trevor Morgan was in charge for one match before Terry Phelan was named head coach for the rest of the season.[26] Fortunes failed to change for the Kerala Blasters as the club ended their second season in last place, failing to qualify for the Indian Super League finals.[27]
2016 season
See also: 2016 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2016 Indian Super League season
In an effort to rebuild after failing to qualify for the finals the previous season, the Kerala Blasters announced the signing of former Crystal Palace manager Steve Coppell as their head coach on 21 June 2016.[28] A week later, the club announced the signing of Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes as their marquee player for the season.[29] Other moves made before the season included the signing of Graham Stack, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, and Mohammed Rafique and return of former players Michael Chopra and Cédric Hengbart.[30]
The season began where the previous left off, with a 1–0 defeat away from home against NorthEast United.[31] After the first month of the season, the Blasters had one of the best defenses statistically in the league but struggled to score goals.[32] In the second half of the season, after the return of C.K. Vineeth from loan with Bengaluru FC, the Blasters managed to surge their way into the finals.[33]
After finishing in second during the regular season, the Kerala Blasters took on third placed Delhi Dynamos in the first round of the finals.[34] The first leg took place on 11 December in Kochi. The Blasters won the match 1–0 through Kervens Belfort's 65th-minute goal.[35] During the second leg in Delhi, the Dynamos won in extra time 2–1 which meant that the tie went to penalties. The Kerala Blasters won the penalty shootout 3–0 to move into the final.[36]
In the final, the Kerala Blasters would play host to Atlético de Kolkata. The Blasters took the lead early through Mohammed Rafi before Kolkata equalized soon after. The match went into a penalty shootout, Despite taking the lead early in the shootout, the Kerala Blasters lost 4–3 and thus were defeated in their second final in three seasons.[37]
2017–18 season
See also: 2017-18 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2017-18 Indian Super League season
See also: 2018 Indian Super Cup
After a heartbreaking loss in the previous season finals, Blasters were set to turn the tables as they appointed former Manchester United manager René Meulensteen as their new manager. Blasters went in with a new roaster of players as they literally realesed all foreign players and signed some of the big names including former Manchester United players Dimitar Berbatov, Wes Brown and Paul Rachubka. They Brought back their leading goalscorer from 1st season Iain Hume. But it all went in vain. Blasters had only one victory in their first 8 games in the season, it led to the sacking of manager René Meulensteen. Sooner they brought back the fan favorite manager David James as their new manager mid way throughout the season. But James either could do much, Blasters managed 5 wins in the remaining 10 fixtures and finished 6th in the 2017-18 Indian Super League season. Blasters Couldn't do much in the Super Cup either as they got knocked out in the round of 16.
2018–19 season
See also: 2018-19 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2018-19 Indian Super League season
See also: 2019 Indian Super Cup
After failing to qualify for the playoffs last season, Blasters made a 3 year deal with manager David James. With a new roster Blasters Looked to bounce back. But they had their worst season ever. They won only 1 and drawn 6 in their 12 fixtures leading to the sacking of David James. After the international break midway through the season Blasters appointed Nelo Vingada as their new manager for remaining 6 fixtures. But team again managed only 1 win and drawn 3 in the remaining 6 fixtures and finished 9th in the league. The Super Cup also was disaster for the club as they were knocked out in the Qualification Round of the tournament.
2019-20 season
See also: 2019-20 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2019-20 Indian Super League season
After a disastrous previous season.The Blasters are looking for making a serious come back as they've appointed Dutch man Eelco Schattorie as their new manager. They've also released all the foreign players and signed a new roster of foreign players and indians including Cameroonian, Raphaël Messi Bouli and Nigerian, Bartholomew Ogbeche as foreign forwards and Brazilian Jairo Rodriguez & Dutchman, Gianni Zuiverloon and Senegalese Moustapha Gning as defenders. Blasters have a Spanish duo in the midfield in form of Mario Arques and Sergio Cidoncha.
Team Colours and Crest
The team colours and logo for Kerala Blasters were unveiled during the club's official launch function on 15 September 2014.[38] The club colours are yellow and blue. According to former team owner Sachin Tendulkar, the idea behind the yellow jersey was yellow stands for determination and faith.[39]
According to former team co-owner Prasad V. Potluri, the logo was designed around the elephant, one of Kerala's main symbols, to reflect its place in Kerala's culture and festivities. The logo was also designed to symbolize the heritage, culture, spirit and passion of Kerala and its love for football.[38]
Sponsorship
On 29 September 2014, it was announced that Muthoot Pappachan Group, a local Kerala based business house, would be the title sponsor for the Kerala Blasters.[40] The original agreement with Muthoot Pappachan Group would see the company sponsor the Blasters for one season but with the option to extend the partnership further.[40] A month later, on 24 October, the Blasters officially announced that German sports manufacturer Puma would be the kit sponsors for the 2014 season.[41] Both sponsorships continued in 2015 before only Muthoot remained as title sponsor going into the 2016 season
The Blasters play their home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Kochi. The team has held the record for highest league attendance every season, regularly averaging over 55,000 fans a game.[3]
The Blasters played their inaugural match on 13 October 2014, losing 1–0 to NorthEast United. The club made it to the final of the Indian Super League in its inaugural season(2014). A extra time goal from Mohammed Rafique saw Kerala Blasters lose 1–0 to Atlético de Kolkata. The team did not qualify for the finals the next season, but they managed to make it to the final again in 2016. The team was once again defeated by Atlético de Kolkata, this time through penalties 4–3
History
Formation
In early 2014, the All India Football Federation, the governing body of association football in India, and IMG–Reliance announced that they would accept bids for the ownership of eight of the selected cities for the inaugural season of Indian Super League (ISL), a franchise football tournament modelled along the lines of the Indian Premier League (for cricket).[5] On 13 April 2014, it was announced that the rights to the Kochi franchise were won by former India cricket captain, Sachin Tendulkar, and serial entrepreneur Prasad V Potluri.[6] On 27 May 2014, the team's official name, Kerala Blasters FC was unveiled which was based on the nickname of co-owner Sachin Tendulkar who was known as Master Blaster during his playing days.[7]
Preparations for the first season started on 22 July when the Kerala Blasters, took part in the first domestic draft to select fourteen Indian players.[8] India international Mehtab Hossain was the first draft pick made by Kerala Blasters.[9] Besides Hossain, the team management selected Avinabo Bag, Sandip Nandy, Chinadorai Sabeeth, Luis Barreto, Milagres Gonsalves, Ramandeep Singh, Renedy Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Ishfaq Ahmed, Gurwinder Singh, Nirmal Chettri, Sushanth Mathew, and Godwin Franco for the team.[10]
On 13 August 2014, former England international goalkeeper, David James, was chosen as the first head coach and marquee player of the team.[11] On 21 August 2014, the team participated in the international draft where the management selected seven foreign players.[12] Former Newcastle United forward Michael Chopra was the first foreign player drafted by the Kerala Blasters.[13]
Inaugural season
See also: 2014 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2014 Indian Super League season
The Kerala Blasters played their first match on 13 October 2014 against NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. The Blasters lost 1–0 after Koke scored the only goal of the match in the 45th minute.[14] The club's first goal was scored by Iain Hume during their second match against Chennaiyin on 21 October. Despite the Canadian's goal, the club could not prevent another defeat as they lost 2–1 in Chennai.[15] It took the Kerala Blasters till their fourth game to get their first victory when they took on Pune City. Goals from Chinadorai Sabeeth and Penn Orji led the Blasters to a come from behind 2–1 victory.[16]
After having to play their first five matches away from home, the Kerala Blasters hosted their first home match on 6 November 2014 against Goa. A goal by Milagres Gonsalves led the Blasters to a home-debut 1–0 victory over the Goans in front of 49,517 fans at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.[17] The Kerala Blasters managed to book their spot into the finals on 9 December 2014. A 1–0 victory over Pune City ensured the Kerala Blasters of qualification.[18]
The Kerala Blasters played their first finals match on 13 December 2014 against southern rivals, Chennaiyin. Despite not being considered the favorite to win the two-legged tie out of the two, the Kerala Blasters won the first leg at home 3–0 through goals from Ishfaq Ahmed, Iain Hume, and Sushanth Mathew.[19] During the second leg in Chennai, the Kerala Blasters suffered a massive setback. Despite entering the second leg with the three-goal advantage, Chennaiyin managed to draw the tie level by winning in regular time 3–0 themselves. However, in extra-time, the Kerala Blasters managed to strike back and score the decisive goal in the 117th minute from Stephen Pearson to win the tie 4–3 and thus enter the final.[20]
In the final, the Kerala Blasters took on Atlético de Kolkata at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Despite holding on for ninety minutes, it was Atlético de Kolkata that came out on top with a Mohammed Rafique goal in the 95th minute earning the Kolkata side the title with a 1–0 victory.[21]
2015 season
See also: 2015 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2015 Indian Super League season
After the 2014 season, it was announced that David James would not return to the club as head coach and marquee player. On 12 May 2015 it was announced that former England U20 head coach Peter Taylor would take over as the Blasters head coach.[22] New foreign signings coming into the season included Peter Ramage, Stephen Bywater, Bruno Perone, Sanchez Watt, João Coimbra, and marquee signing Carlos Marchena.[23]
The first match of the season was played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with the Kerala Blasters hosting NorthEast United. The Kerala Blasters won 3–1 through goals from Josu, Mohammed Rafi, and Sanchez Watt.[24] However, the Blasters followed that victory drawing their next match against Mumbai City and then losing their next four matches which eventually led to the dismissal of Peter Taylor as head coach.[25] Assistant coach Trevor Morgan was in charge for one match before Terry Phelan was named head coach for the rest of the season.[26] Fortunes failed to change for the Kerala Blasters as the club ended their second season in last place, failing to qualify for the Indian Super League finals.[27]
2016 season
See also: 2016 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2016 Indian Super League season
In an effort to rebuild after failing to qualify for the finals the previous season, the Kerala Blasters announced the signing of former Crystal Palace manager Steve Coppell as their head coach on 21 June 2016.[28] A week later, the club announced the signing of Northern Ireland international Aaron Hughes as their marquee player for the season.[29] Other moves made before the season included the signing of Graham Stack, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, and Mohammed Rafique and return of former players Michael Chopra and Cédric Hengbart.[30]
The season began where the previous left off, with a 1–0 defeat away from home against NorthEast United.[31] After the first month of the season, the Blasters had one of the best defenses statistically in the league but struggled to score goals.[32] In the second half of the season, after the return of C.K. Vineeth from loan with Bengaluru FC, the Blasters managed to surge their way into the finals.[33]
After finishing in second during the regular season, the Kerala Blasters took on third placed Delhi Dynamos in the first round of the finals.[34] The first leg took place on 11 December in Kochi. The Blasters won the match 1–0 through Kervens Belfort's 65th-minute goal.[35] During the second leg in Delhi, the Dynamos won in extra time 2–1 which meant that the tie went to penalties. The Kerala Blasters won the penalty shootout 3–0 to move into the final.[36]
In the final, the Kerala Blasters would play host to Atlético de Kolkata. The Blasters took the lead early through Mohammed Rafi before Kolkata equalized soon after. The match went into a penalty shootout, Despite taking the lead early in the shootout, the Kerala Blasters lost 4–3 and thus were defeated in their second final in three seasons.[37]
2017–18 season
See also: 2017-18 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2017-18 Indian Super League season
See also: 2018 Indian Super Cup
After a heartbreaking loss in the previous season finals, Blasters were set to turn the tables as they appointed former Manchester United manager René Meulensteen as their new manager. Blasters went in with a new roaster of players as they literally realesed all foreign players and signed some of the big names including former Manchester United players Dimitar Berbatov, Wes Brown and Paul Rachubka. They Brought back their leading goalscorer from 1st season Iain Hume. But it all went in vain. Blasters had only one victory in their first 8 games in the season, it led to the sacking of manager René Meulensteen. Sooner they brought back the fan favorite manager David James as their new manager mid way throughout the season. But James either could do much, Blasters managed 5 wins in the remaining 10 fixtures and finished 6th in the 2017-18 Indian Super League season. Blasters Couldn't do much in the Super Cup either as they got knocked out in the round of 16.
2018–19 season
See also: 2018-19 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2018-19 Indian Super League season
See also: 2019 Indian Super Cup
After failing to qualify for the playoffs last season, Blasters made a 3 year deal with manager David James. With a new roster Blasters Looked to bounce back. But they had their worst season ever. They won only 1 and drawn 6 in their 12 fixtures leading to the sacking of David James. After the international break midway through the season Blasters appointed Nelo Vingada as their new manager for remaining 6 fixtures. But team again managed only 1 win and drawn 3 in the remaining 6 fixtures and finished 9th in the league. The Super Cup also was disaster for the club as they were knocked out in the Qualification Round of the tournament.
2019-20 season
See also: 2019-20 Kerala Blasters FC season
See also: 2019-20 Indian Super League season
After a disastrous previous season.The Blasters are looking for making a serious come back as they've appointed Dutch man Eelco Schattorie as their new manager. They've also released all the foreign players and signed a new roster of foreign players and indians including Cameroonian, Raphaël Messi Bouli and Nigerian, Bartholomew Ogbeche as foreign forwards and Brazilian Jairo Rodriguez & Dutchman, Gianni Zuiverloon and Senegalese Moustapha Gning as defenders. Blasters have a Spanish duo in the midfield in form of Mario Arques and Sergio Cidoncha.
Team Colours and Crest
The team colours and logo for Kerala Blasters were unveiled during the club's official launch function on 15 September 2014.[38] The club colours are yellow and blue. According to former team owner Sachin Tendulkar, the idea behind the yellow jersey was yellow stands for determination and faith.[39]
According to former team co-owner Prasad V. Potluri, the logo was designed around the elephant, one of Kerala's main symbols, to reflect its place in Kerala's culture and festivities. The logo was also designed to symbolize the heritage, culture, spirit and passion of Kerala and its love for football.[38]
Sponsorship
On 29 September 2014, it was announced that Muthoot Pappachan Group, a local Kerala based business house, would be the title sponsor for the Kerala Blasters.[40] The original agreement with Muthoot Pappachan Group would see the company sponsor the Blasters for one season but with the option to extend the partnership further.[40] A month later, on 24 October, the Blasters officially announced that German sports manufacturer Puma would be the kit sponsors for the 2014 season.[41] Both sponsorships continued in 2015 before only Muthoot remained as title sponsor going into the 2016 season
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