Chennaiyin FC coach Gregory dedicates win for the late groundsman

Chennaiyin FC head coach John Gregory dedicated the win against two-time champion ATK to the late Raji and his family. “Our football club (Chennaiyin FC) would like to dedicate tonight’s (Thursday night’s) win and he certainly would never be forgotten,” said Gregory. 

The Englishman was all praise for the groundsman, who lost his life a week ago. 

“We have seen the kind of work he did. He has done an amazing job with our playing surface here (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium). He is really going to be sorely missed by everybody in the club. Not just because of his work but because of himself as a person. He was a lovely guy and we are very sorry to have lost him,” mourned the CFC manager.  A minute’s silence was observed ahead of the start of the game between Chennaiyin FC and ATK on Thursday as a mark of respect. 

The home side eventually came out trumps in a humdinger of a contest, managing a 3-2 win over the two-time champion. A brace from Jeje Lalpehklua and Inigo Calderon’s strike helped the home side secure its three points. 

Gregory had earlier expressed his concern about the outfield at the ‘Marina Arena’ ahead of the team’s pre-season trip. He then commended the ground staff for setting up a beautiful playing field just before the start of the season.