By Monojit Mandal
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC is all set to release Jose Carlos Rodriguez Hevia who had joined as the Technical Director, Coaching and Youth Development on May 1, 2019, with his contract ending on August 31, 2020.
Jose is a Spanish Citizen and a UEFA Pro Licensed coach with over 25 years of coaching/management experience at various levels. He started his coaching career managing various clubs across Spain.
Hevia had a very successful stint with Shillong Lajong FC and under his direction; Shillong Lajong won two major laurels, Meghalaya State League 2019 and Shillong Premier League 2019 with whooping performance.The prevailing situation triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of competition and absence of sporting calendar, were the reasons behind the club decided to let go of Jose Hevia.“The current situation without a clear “calendar of competitions” that can allow developing a proper working plan, has made us decide to part ways. However, once the global pandemic can be resolved and the “normality” comes back.The option of starting a new project together is definitely on the cards.” Said Jose.
“My contract is still active with Shillong Lajong FC because the deadline of the extension we agreed before the pandemic, it is till August 31 (2020). I’m preparing technical documents and information that can be very helpful for the club in further stages and also we are closing all the matters of my contract to leave Shillong in the coming days with the best of the memories and sensations,” Jose added.
“Thank you very much for your unconditional support. It’s been a great experience to work here in Shillong. To meet fantastic people and have the opportunity of sharing something of my legacy as a football coach with the football of Meghalaya,” said Jose to the fans, supporters and Lajong faithful.
“When asked if he has plans to come back to Meghalaya in future, he said that he is very much looking forward to it.“Yes of course. I had a big meeting with Ming and Haba to prepare my departure and in the coming days. Maybe this weekend if there is a place in any of the flights that are operating from Delhi to Europe, I will leave Shillong and consequently, India, although, we have left the doors opened to a new collaboration in the future.
“The decision of coming to Shillong had been worth it and it couldn’t be a better end, from the competition point of view because of the pandemic.”