Jamshedpur FC have announced the signing of new head coach Scott Cooper. The 53-year-old Irish-Englishman joins the Indian Super League club after a host of coaching jobs in South East Asia, including a memorable and impressive stint as head coach of Buriram FC in Thailand. Most recently having managed Port FC, he replaces manager Aidy Boothroyd, who has left the Indian club after a year in charge.


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Cooper is a name most well-known to enthusiasts of football in South East Asia, particularly in Thailand and the Philippines. His most memorable job was at Buriram FC, where he took a team that found themselves stagnating in third place in the domestic league to a near-unbeaten season. Under his care, Buriram won 23 of 29 games, drew 5 and lost only once. The club reached the top 10 in the Asian Club Rankings, a first in Thai history. Another aspect of note is Cooper’s talent grooming. Nine Thai players from Buriram were called up to the national team.


He has also managed in the Philippines, including a stint as the national team’s head coach from 2018 to 2021. He also managed Police Tero and Port FC. Aside from being reputed as a strong youth development focussed coach, Cooper has also earned plaudits for his high-pressing style and attacking tactics. He is known to build play from defence, which is common in Europe but rarer in Asia, where teams prefer more traditional and reserved tactics.


Jamshedpur CEO says Cooper is a “true winner”

“We have appointed a true winner in Scott and have big hopes from him. His footballing philosophy and winning mentality are exactly what we need at the club, and I am sure our fans will appreciate what he brings to our team,” said CEO Mukul Choudhari.


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“Scott’s work grooming young players is admirable and is well in keeping with Jamshedpur’s culture of promoting football at the grassroots and preparing players for the highest level. I wish him the very best of luck and look forward to seeing him build another Champion team at Jamshedpur FC.”