Grandfather Gregory has gold in his heart

As the football season in the country is yet to kickoff, the 64-year-old spent time with enthusiastic kids at the Dazzling Stone Orphanage last week rather than orchestrating his troops from the touchline. 

The children gave him a feel of the ‘Marina Arena’, greeting him with chants which were followed by claps. The Englishman was high-spirited for most part of our conversation but, was deeply moved when asked about the visit, so much so that he paused for a while before responding. 

“It was humbling. It’s incredible to see kids singing and dancing. They had done good rehearsals and they have got all the football chants of CFC. They have their own version of Inigo’s chant and it is their favourite,” said Gregory.  

“They were very organised, were in straight lines and when they sang, they did it in unison,” added the head coach. Fan favourites Inigo Calderon and Raphael Augusto took time of their hectic schedule last season, giving the boys and girls a few moments they will remember for the rest of their lives. “The players will be going back there to see them and I will obviously take my coaching staff as well,” he stated.  

 The kids got a taste of what it feels like to watch a match live during the Indian Super League 201718 season as they were invited to be a part of the home fixture against Jamshedpur FC and the semi-final against FC Goa at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. 

“They came to watch two of our games in ISL 4. I am looking forward to welcoming them to the stadium again to watch us. 

We have never lost in their presence,” remarked Gregory. Being a teacher himself for his players, the former Aston Villa manager applauded the tutors who take care of the children round the clock. 

“It was an amazing experience. The tutors deserve a medal for the job that they do. We were only there with them for an hour or so but, they are there 24x7.”