48-year-old Phelan, played professional footballer as a left back from 1984 to 2009.

KOCHI: Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters today appointed their grassroots programme Technical Director and former Ireland international Terrence Phelan as the head coach in place of Peter Taylor who was sacked after a string of poor performances by the team.

Under Taylor, last edition runners-up Kerala won just once in six games and that led to his firing from the head coach's job. His deputy Trevor Morgan was in charge of Kerala's 1-1 draw against Chennaiyin FC at home yesterday.

48-year-old Phelan, played professional footballer as a left back from 1984 to 2009. He played in the English Premier League for Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton, as well as in the Football League for Leeds United, Swansea City, Wimbledon, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Sheffield United.

He also made 42 appearances for the Irish national team and represented the country at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

"We have been working with Terry during the last one year on Kerala Blasters Football Schools initiative and his contribution in this regard has been immense. He has interacted with the squad from the start of the season, and the players share a comfortable rapport with him," Kerala Blasters CEO Viren D'silva said in a release.

"I think Terry will allow the players to express themselves in the attacking brand of football that the fans deserve. His technical prowess combined with his international experience will prove a valuable asset to the Kerala Blasters for the remainder of the season."

Kerala are currently at the bottom of the eight-team ISL table with five points from seven matches and they play FC Pune City at home on November 4.

