http://newindianexpress.com/sport/Fernandes-confirms-Chennai-plans/2013/07/01/article1661313.ece Strangely, I'm heading to Chennai later today.
Fernandes confirms Chennai plans Tony Fernandes, owner of English club Queens Park Rangers, confirmed that plans were afoot to launch an I-League club based in the city, from the 2014-15 season. Fernandes was speaking on the sidelines of an award function held here on Saturday. “I was approached by the AIFF and we have had fruitful discussions with them. It is unlikely that we will do anything significant in the upcoming season. But we are planning to launch the team by next year,” he said. The team will reportedly be called Chennai Rangers. Fernandes, whose connection with Indian football goes way back to his youth when he lined up for a club named Calcutta Sporting Club, said that he had been approached by four or five cities. “But it will likely be based in Chennai as it is my home here. All of (his airlines) Air Asia’s operations will be based in the city as well,” he said. He also stated his belief that football was going to be a big game in India. “I believe that it is not all about cricket here. There is a lot of talent that has never been exploited.” Should the plans come to fruition, the Chennai Rangers will be the first ever team from the city to play in the I-League. Indian Bank, who played in the National Football League till 2001, was the last Chennai-based club to play in India’s premier club competition.
I have to admire the man's enthusiasm and energy. If I had been chairman of last year's debacle (not the previous since that was as expected really), I think I might be found in a padded cell softly moaning, "Why? How? Why?", over and over again. Well done Tony Fernandes. Not letting failure get in the way of future success. Is the future beginning to be blue and white again?!
Don't forget to take your boots. You could land a £25,000/week contract. Just tell Tony that Mr Holmes sent you. (I'll take 15%, thanks.)
Chennai Park Rangers would be a great name, play in blue & whitehoops in front of an expectant crowd who leave disappointed. CPR - sound familiar?
I think he deserves to go somewhere with nicer weather. Maybe he could join a beach soccer team in the Sahara?
