Chennayin FC announce new coaching staff

Chennai, August 11: Indian Super League team Chennaiyin FC on Friday (August 11) appointed Englishmen Mark Lillis and Niall Clark as assistant coach and sports scientist respectively.

In addition to newly appointed head coach John Gregory, Chennaiyin already had local favourite and former India international Syed Sabir Pasha as assistant coach and now Lillis and Clark join the revamped coaching staff.

"Both Mark and Niall are highly qualified and experienced in their respective fields of expertise. We are delighted to have them on board and believe that along with Sabir we have the best team to support John in our quest of winning back the ISL trophy," said Chennaiyin co-owner Vita Dani.

The 57-year-old Lillis had almost 17 years of experience as a player with spells at Huddersfield Town, Manchester City, Derby County and Aston Villa.

Clark has had spells with Manchester City, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Charlton Atheltic in England besides working with Gregory at English third tier outfit Crawley Town. In 2015, he worked with FC Pune City in the ISL and last season he played a key role in Kerala Blasters' road to the final.