By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In a shocking development, Shillong Lajong FC sacked their coach Desmond Bulpin on Tuesday after less than eight months in charge.
The decision has come as surprise as Bulpin was expected to serve a long innings with SLFC, the aim being that he would build the youth development programme at the club.
Sources revealed that the Scotsman was sacked from his job following a disappointing show in the recent matches of the I-League season.
Out of 17 games thus far, Lajong have only won three, while drawing six and losing eight.
The Shillong club have also gone winless for nine consecutive games, stretching back to the end of November last year.
SLFC are currently in ninth position in the points.
According to sources, a question mark has been raised over the style of play that Bulpin was trying to introduce to the team.
“Many argued that the style of play of Bulpin does not suit the players from the region.
“The Scottish coach’s strategy would be best suited for players who are tall and well built,” a source said, while stating that many believe that the Latin American style of short passes would be better suited for the players from the North-East.
Meanwhile, sources said that there is has also been growing pressure from the thousands of local fans to bring about a change in the style of play in the team.
“This can take place only with a new coach who knows the strength of the players from the region,” the source added.
When contacted, SLFC boss Larsing M Sawyan denied that there was any personal problem between Bulpin and the club that led to the axing.
“The club would like to place on record the valuable contribution of Bulpin in the youth development system of the club, which we believe will pay dividends in the near future.
“We thank him for his services and the commitment shown to the club. We wish him all the best for the future.
“Our immediate goal is to concentrate on the next two home games and the away game at Salgaocar before the break,” Sawyan said.
He also said that assistant coach Thangboi Singto, who will take charge in the interim, has been with the team since 2009 and has two and a half seasons of I-League experience besides a stint in the second division in 2010/11 season, when Lajong again qualified for the top tier.
“We have faith in his abilities,” the SLFC general secretary said.
When asked if the team is going to immediately appoint a new coach, Sawyan said, “The team is not going to take knee-jerk decision in appointing a new coach.”
Bulpin was the former coach of EPL side Tottenham Hotspur’s youth team and has been credited for spotting players like Peter Crouch.
He was the coach of the Philippines national team before moving to India to become coach of what is now Pailan Arrows. He was later picked to coach Lajong in June 2012.