National football players say they could not imagine scenario without coach Houghton

India footballers happy coach Houghton is staying

National football players say they could not imagine scenario without coach Houghton

Bob Houghton announced yesterday that he would remain coach of the Indian national football team. A post from him on a social networking site said, "To all Indian fans, I am really grateful for all your support towards me during the controversy. To end all speculations, I remain India coach."

The AIFF hasn't divulged the details of the negotiations with Houghton and whether a new contract has been offered to him. However, the move was welcomed by the Indian footballers who have been short listed by the Englishman for the AFC Asian Cup preparatory camp.

Mahesh Gawli, who plays for Dempo Sports Club of Goa, was relieved that Houghton is back as India coach. His first reaction was, "Thank God Bob is back. I couldn't picture a scenario where Bob would not have been there with us at the AFC Asian Cup."

He further said, "Bob, has done so much for Indian football that no other person has. He knows how to deal with the players and most importantly has the respect of all the players. So I think it was absolutely important that he stayed with us at least till Qatar."

Churchill Brothers defender, Gouramangi Singh, said, "I am happy that this controversy has come to an end and Bob is back with us."

When asked that about the mood in the players camp about the speculation of Houghton resigning, "All the players and I personally all through the controversy believed that Houghton would stay with us."

"If he had gone at this stage we would have gone back to square one. He has done so much to get us on the level we are at right now. It was just impossible to imagine what would have happened had he gone at this stage," he added.