Members of the Indian national football team were shocked to hear reports of Bob Houghton's resignation and most of them believe that it would be a huge loss to Indian football if Houghton was to leave.
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Bob has a plenty of options if he wishes to leave team India. But Indian football will be finished and will in turn suffer a lot. India definitely needs Bob Houghton. The planning and structure that Bob wants to change and implement among clubs, state associations and the federation may cause a lot of initial problems and bring about hurdles. But they would have definitely brought in a positive future and ensured India’s growth and development as a football nation. With the changes he has made and the position he has got Indian football to, if he leaves we will fall back a lot . The federation really needs to do all it can to keep Bob back. Indian football can definitely move forward holding Bob’s hand.
- Bhaichung Bhutia
I can not think of a scenario where Bob Houghton will not be us. In the last three years whatever success we have got is all because of Houghton. Being pitted in a tough group in the upcoming Asia Cup does not really scare us, this is much because of confidence he has raised among us. If he leaves Indian football is as good as over.
- Steven Dias
For the past three years we have been following his tactics and formations. If a new person comes in at this crucial stage it will be difficult for us to adapt and we will not be able to produce good results. We need Bob Houghton to stay for the development and safeguard of Indian football. The federation should try its best to keep Houghton with us.
- Climax Lawrence
Houghton does not need India, India needs Houghton! We may lose in the Asia Cup, considering the teams we have been drawn against, yet we remain fearless because of Houghton. I am sure he will train and mould us in the right way just before the competition.
- Clifford Miranda
Today at our club practice session we only spoke about is resignation. We all have been feeling low-spirited with the news that we received. The federation, however it maybe done, needs to keep Bob from leaving us. Before he came the national team was an unrecognized lot, without much status and fanfare. Ever since Bob took charge us, and got us the much needed success we did gain some recognition. If he leaves, Indian football will be finished.
- Anwar Ali
Whether we have got a contract with the federation or not is an issue that can be taken up a bit later. But with months remaining for the Asia Cup, we require Bob as our coach. The federation really needs to look into this matter and keep him from leaving.
- Dipak Mondal
The confidence that Bob has given us is immaculate, considering that we are not afraid even after being drawn up with such tough teams like Australia in our group. We all know Bob is there and he shall train us as required to give in our best. We have never been under a coach like him.
- Syed Rahim Nabi
In the previous camp coach Houghton had told us the importance of this year. If we can stick together for 8 months then we shall definitely play a different football – a football of international standard. All the footballers are very disappointed having heard of his resignation. I hope the federation takes the necessary action required.
- Surkumar Singh
We can not think of the national team without Bob Houghton. He has been the person instrumental behind the team’s success for the last 3 years. If he is not there, Indian football will suffer a lot.
- N.P. Pradeep
We can challenge any national team thanks to the confidence Bob has given us. We never had this confidence and self belief before he came into the picture. We definitely need to keep Bob as our coach.
- Mehrajuddin Wadoo
The step forward that we have taken holding Bob Houghton’s hand has been great, but if he leaves Indian football will fall back by 50 steps. Indian football will become dead if he leaves and made to suffer a lot. We can not let this happen.
- Subrata Pal
It is a very shocking piece of news. He is an extremely good coach and he knew what was needed in Indian football. I hope he continues to coach the team.
- Mahesh Gawli