Former I-League winning coach Khalid Jamil has joined the NorthEast United FC as their head of academy and assistant coach in a 3-year deal with the Guwahati-based Indian Super League club.
Jamil started his managerial career with Mumbai FC. In 2017, he took over Aizawl FC and led them to their maiden I-League trophy remaining unbeaten at home throughout the journey.
“Jamil’s primary role at the club would be to nurture and groom talent from across the region and oversee the expansion of the club’s residential academy. NorthEast United FC is committed to developing talent from the region and the appointment of Khalid Jamil is a step in the direction to achieve that vision,” the club said in a press release.
“Identifying, grooming and providing a pathway for talent from the Northeast has always been a guiding vision for the club. Not only does Khalid have vast knowledge about India’s football landscape, he is also very familiar with the region. His past accomplishments such as winning the I-League and developing players fills us with confidence that he is the right candidate for the job. We are extremely happy to welcome him to the Highlander family,” NorthEast United’s Executive Director Priya Runchal said.
Speaking on the association, Khalid Jamil said, “It is a pleasure for me to be associated with NorthEast United and contribute towards the grooming and scouting of young players. The Northeast is the hotbed of talent and it is an exciting opportunity to be back in the region that breathes football. I would like to thank the management for their trust and for providing this opportunity to help build a sustainable youth structure for the club – one that is a conveyor belt for the first team.”
“Our goal is to turn this system into one of the best in the country with the ability to cater to over 200 youth prospects at a time. In my capacity as Assistant Coach to the First Team, I look forward to working in the ISL for the first time and am confident that we can top last year’s excellent season,” he added.
After a successful season with Aizawl FC, Khalid Jamil had joined rival East Bengal and later Mohun Bagan.
The NorthEast United parted ways with Eelco Schattorie who coached the Guwahati-based ISL club to their best performance ever last season by securing a play-off berth.
