AIFF appoints Johnson as U-19 football team's coach

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has hired the services of Britisher Lee Alan Johnson as the coach of its Under-19 team.

Lee was the technical director of Rwanda and the coach of their Under-17 football team before taking up the India job.

He coaching career includes stints at academies of English clubs Chelsea FC and Crystal Palace FC.

Johnson will double up as the head scout and the assistant coach of the senior national side.

The 34-year-old has worked with current Indian senior team coach Stephen Constantine during his Rwanda days.

Constantine welcomed his appointment saying:" We have worked together in Rwanda and have known each other for the last three or more years and his value addition will be immense."

Johnson expressed his excitement at the new opportunity.

"I am happy to be here and I'm thankful to the AIFF for giving me this wonderful opportunity. I am looking forward to working with Stephen and everyone involved within the Federation to help develop football in the country," he said in a release on Tuesday.

"In such a big country you need to find them in order to further enhance the national team squads. I will be travelling to I-League matches and also youth games to identify potential players for the future."

Johnson, who will be based in Goa, said his partnership with Constantine has the potential to improve Indian football.

"We need to make sure that everyone understands what we are trying to do, and it's all for the benefit of Indian Football. We have got the potential to do good things and be successful."