English defender Peter Hartley looks set to lead Jamshedpur FC in the seventh edition of Indian Super League (ISL), which kicks- off in Goa on November 20.
Sources revealed that the JFC team management was veering around the idea of handing over the responsibility to Hartley for some weeks but the final decision was made by head coach Owen Coyle.
There were other names under consideration but Hartley emerged on the top.
The 32-year-old Hartley, a former Motherwell FC (Scottish Premiership) captain, is the man the Tata Steel-owned club was looking for when it came to heading a side which is looking to make their maiden entry to the elusive play-off of the cash-rich tournament.
Jamshedpur launch their ISL campaign against last edition’s runners-up Chennaiyin FC at Tilak Maidan on November 24.
Sources revealed that JFC was looking for a player who can fill the void left by Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo (Tiri) who led the team for the last three seasons but has switched over to ATK Mohun Bagan this time.
“Hartley is the front runner when it comes to chosing a captain. He is experienced, has character and is also a good human being. He will captain the side this season,” a member of the team management said.
According to him, Hartley is the first choice of head coach Owen Coyle and the defender has also been made aware about his responsibility. “Coyle has great faith in the leadership qualities of Hartley,” he remarked while requesting not to be quoted.
JFC chief executive officer Mukul Choudhari said they want a man with good leadership skills and one who can take the side along. “Hartley has all these qualities and surely fits the bill. We wanted someone like Tiri to lead the side in the upcoming encounters. Hartley is also a very good human being and has character,” he said.
Choudhary added they also wanted a man who can gel well with the team members.
Sources said players like Lithuanian striker Nerijus Valskis, Brazilian mid-fielder Alex Monteiro de Lima and Indian winger Jackichand Singh also have the ability to lead the side but the team management decided to hand over the armband to the English defender.
Moreover, it was on Coyle's insistence that Hartley joined Jamshedpur. The fact that Hartley has a great understanding with the head coach and knows Coyle’s capability also helped the management make the decision
The experienced Hartley began his career at Sunderland, during which he had a spell on loan to Chesterfield. He then went to play for Hartlepool United, Stevenage, Plymouth Argyle, Bristol Rovers and Blackpool. Hartley signed for Motherwell FC in 2017, initially on loan, making the move permanent the following year.
