Odisha FC have on Friday announced that Stuart Baxter has been appointed as head coach ahead of the seventh edition of Hero Indian Super League (ISL).
The experienced manager has signed a two-year deal with the Bhubaneshwar-based club.
Hailing from the United Kingdom, Baxter has coaching experience that spans over 25 years.
Speaking in his first interview, Stuart Baxter said “I’m looking forward to the challenge of Indian football and the opportunity to develop players and coaches in India. I’d like to wish all the supporters, players and staff good health during these testing times.”
“The vision of the Sharma family for the club representing the sporting state of Odisha is an exciting one with development, teamwork and cooperation with our stakeholders serving as cornerstones for the task ahead.
”Together we will bring joy and success to the region.” he added.
Dr. Anil Sharma (Founder & CEO, GMS) also said ”I am delighted to welcome Coach Stuart Baxter to Odisha FC! We conducted an extensive global search for a coach that matched our vision for the next phase of OFC. “
”We are excited that Stuart is both motivated and experienced to create a championship club, develop our Indian starlets into national team players, & strengthen our youth academy, in order to have a consistent inflow of talent into OFC.”
Stuart Baxter has previously coached Kaizer Chiefs, Vissel Kobe, SuperSport United, & Sanfrecce Hiroshima among others.
Baxter has won the Premier Soccer League title with Kaizer Chiefs twice & J1 League (1st stage) title once with Sanfrecce Hiroshima.
