Bob Bootland
Encyclopedia
Robert Allison "Bob" Bootland (died 13 June 2007) was an English
professional football coach active primarily in India. He was the first foreign club coach in India. Bootland was described as "a taskmaster with a no-nonsense attitude."
, England
. He first arrived in India in 1977 as a tourist, and after being invited to watch a senior league game involving Dempo SC, Bootland decided to stay in India and become a full-time professional football coach.
Bootland began his football coaching career with Dempo SC, the same club which had inspired his new-found career. Bootland said, " had been to this wonderful land to meet my friend's parents. Dempo management invited to me to watch the game. I found the Goans good footballers. Soon the coaching offer came and I accepted it." Bootland won the Rovers Cup
with Dempo in only his second year in charge, 1978, after introducing a 4-3-3 formation; the side was described as "[a] well balanced side" who were "in peak physical condition." After a brief spell as manager of the Indian national side
in 1982, Bootland then became coach of JCT Mills winning the Durand Cup
in 1983. Bootland later returned to Dempo SC, where he won the Rovers Cup for a second time in 1986. Bootland returned to the Indian national side - this time as an Assistant Coach - in 1987 for that year's edition of the Nehru Cup. Bootland then coached club sides Sesa Goa FC and MRF FC, before becoming coach of Vasco SC. He was sacked as Vasco manager in October 1998. Bootland ended his coaching career with Tatas FC.
In his later career, Bootland became an outspoken critic of Indian football, claiming that, "politics in Indian football is killing the players."
after complaining of chest pains. He was aged either 72, or 73. The cause of death was later determined to be a heart attack.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
professional football coach active primarily in India. He was the first foreign club coach in India. Bootland was described as "a taskmaster with a no-nonsense attitude."
Career
Robert Allison Bootland was born in Newcastle upon TyneNewcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Historically a part of Northumberland, it is situated on the north bank of the River Tyne...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. He first arrived in India in 1977 as a tourist, and after being invited to watch a senior league game involving Dempo SC, Bootland decided to stay in India and become a full-time professional football coach.
Bootland began his football coaching career with Dempo SC, the same club which had inspired his new-found career. Bootland said, " had been to this wonderful land to meet my friend's parents. Dempo management invited to me to watch the game. I found the Goans good footballers. Soon the coaching offer came and I accepted it." Bootland won the Rovers Cup
Rovers Cup
The Rovers Cup is a football tournament held in India. It was started by British football enthusiasts at Bombay in 1891. It is the 2nd oldest football tournament in India, after Durand Cup. 1st Worcester Regiment was the winner in the inaugural year...
with Dempo in only his second year in charge, 1978, after introducing a 4-3-3 formation; the side was described as "[a] well balanced side" who were "in peak physical condition." After a brief spell as manager of the Indian national side
India national football team
The Indian national football team is the national football team of India and is governed by the All India Football Federation. It is a member of the Asian Football Confederation. Since 1948, the AIFF has been affiliated with FIFA, the international governing body for football. In 1954, AIFF became...
in 1982, Bootland then became coach of JCT Mills winning the Durand Cup
Durand Cup
The Durand Football Tournament was started by then, India's Foreign Secretary, Mortimer Durand at Simla, India, in 1888. The initial matches were played in Dagshai. It was basically initiated, as a recreation for British troops stationed in India. The Durand Cup was twice suspended, during the two...
in 1983. Bootland later returned to Dempo SC, where he won the Rovers Cup for a second time in 1986. Bootland returned to the Indian national side - this time as an Assistant Coach - in 1987 for that year's edition of the Nehru Cup. Bootland then coached club sides Sesa Goa FC and MRF FC, before becoming coach of Vasco SC. He was sacked as Vasco manager in October 1998. Bootland ended his coaching career with Tatas FC.
In his later career, Bootland became an outspoken critic of Indian football, claiming that, "politics in Indian football is killing the players."
Personal life
Bootland was married to an Indian woman named Fatima who was a schoolteacher and amateur athlete. The couple had two sons named Allison and Ronald.Death
Bootland died on 13 June 2007 in a hospital in BambolimBambolim
Bambolim is a census town in North Goa district in the state of Goa, India. The only allopathic medical college in the state of Goa, Goa Medical College, is located here.-Geography:...
after complaining of chest pains. He was aged either 72, or 73. The cause of death was later determined to be a heart attack.