Arunava about Football A look at football & the world through my eyes!
Related Articles
Last week DSK Shivajians FC had announced the appointment of Barry Knowles as Assistant Manager, joining Dave Rogers’ backroom staff, which will oversee the first team for all forthcoming tournaments and the I-League.
The Englishman brings with him a wealth of coaching experience. His last job was at Pune-based Bharat FC, as Technical Director and assisted the club’s First Team in their maiden season in the I-League (2014-15).
Barry’s vast experience as a youth development coach spans across a host of English clubs which include Everton FC, Wigan Athletic, and Blackpool FC. He joined Wigan Athletic after two years of youth development at Everton FC. In 2000, he then was appointed as the Head of Youth Development at Blackpool FC where he restructured the club’s youth policy.
Following his successful stint at Blackpool FC, the Englishman was recruited by The Football Association (The FA) as their Talent Identification Head, where he also oversaw the development of players. Following his stint at the FA, Barry worked as a player and team profiler for Sheffield Wednesday, a Football League Championship club.
The Englishman then moved to the Indian sub continent and joined Kalyani Bharat FC.
DSK Shivajians FC President Shirish Kulkarni said; “We are delighted to have a coach of Barry’s stature join our backroom staff at DSK Shivajians. His experience in the Premier League along with his expertise in developing talent fits in with the vision we have for the club. I am certain that he will excel in his new role and help DSK Shivajians achieve its targets both on and off the field.”
Barry, who will join the club for its pre-season in August 2016, said: “I have closely observed the increasing development of DSK Shivajians FC and the Liverpool FC International Football Academy in India and after speaking to Dave about his vision for the club, I did not hesitate to take up his offer of becoming his assistant manager. I am honored and privileged to be given a chance to be a part of the club’s exciting future and I am confident that I will be able to contribute to the development of players and the club as it sets on a new journey.”
DSK Shivajians Football Club, who head into their second season in the I-League, will be aiming to better their 9th place finish last year and believe that Barry Knowles and his vast technical expertise will certainly help the development of the first team.
DSK Shivajians FC Manager Dave Rogers was all praise for the newest member of his backroom staff as he claimed: “I am delighted to appoint Barry Knowles as my assistant manager and welcome him to the DSK family. I always wanted to have an experienced professional alongside me and the knowledge and attention to detail that Barry will offer me both on and off the pitch is second to none.
His track record in the UK, working for the Premier League clubs, speaks volumes on how respected Barry is. Also, the work he has carried out over the last two years as technical director at Bharat FC shows how committed and proud he is to helping football in India reach its potential. I welcome Barry to DSK Shivajians FC and look forward to working alongside him as we strive to take our club forward in a new direction.”
