Chennaiyin FC appoint Englishman Paul Groves as assistant coach

Indian Super League (ISL) franchise Chennaiyin FC today appointed Englishman Paul Groves as its assistant coach for the next season of the league.

The 52-year-old Groves, who was last working as first-team coach at Birmingham City last season, replaces compatriot Mark Lillis.

Groves is reunited with Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory and sports scientist Niall Clark, having worked with the two at Crawley Town in England's League One in the 2014-15 season as first-team coach.

Groves joins the duo who signed a one-year extension earlier this year after having guided the club to its second ISL title in March. Local favourite and former India international Syed Sabir Pasha also continues as assistant coach.

"I am looking forward to working with John and Niall again and excited about working in India for the first time. Chennaiyin FC has a great mix of foreign and Indian players and the squad is shaping up well for the coming season. I am looking forward to helping the club defend the ISL title and progress as far as possible in the debut AFC Cup campaign," Paul stated.

Head coach Gregory said, "Paul had an excellent playing career and has gone on to be a top class coach. He is a respected figure in the English game and I am sure we will benefit greatly from his technical and tactical knowledge."