Kashmir as champions will be incredible, says coach David Robertson

Panaji: David Robertson remembers the day he set foot on Kashmir soil. It was cold, dark and depressing.

For someone who had spent most part of his coaching career in the United States and had options to choose his next club in China and Uganda, it was a courageous decision to take over

Real Kashmir

FC. What would the Scottish coach really do in Kashmir, and that too at a newly-launched club with several handicaps?

“It was difficult (at the start). I had never been to India, let alone Kashmir. All over India, it was warm and hot, but here there was snow, power cuts. It was a very difficult start. After two days, I wanted to go home, but the owners persuaded me,” said Robertson, a former Aberdeen and Rangers left-back.

Robertson took another moment to think over his decision, and after a quick trip home, returned to Kashmir, this time convinced that he could make a mark with this club. He walked the talk guiding the team to the

I-League

, India’s premier club competition, from the Second Division, and could now even remarkably deliver the title on debut.

“We are not talking about the title. There are six games to go and some very difficult games. The Churchill game (on Thursday) will be very difficult. We travelled for a day and there is not much rest. If we are on course with two or three games to go, then we can start thinking. So far, it’s been a fantastic journey,” said the former Scotland international.

Kashmir are tied on points with

Churchill Brothers

(28) and will move to the top of the table if they can upset the former champions. They already have the ‘double’ over league leaders Chennai City FC and now believe they can go all the way.

“All the teams in the top six play each other. It will be difficult to get points. For now, we cannot look further than the next game,” said Robertson, whose son Mason is an influential member of the team.

Kashmir’s defensive record has made heads turn. They have conceded just seven goals, six fewer than the next best among all the teams, but they also have the fewest goals scored among the top four.

“If we win the title, it will be fantastic. The people of Kashmir and players, they are all passionate. Their passion is astounding. They deserve joy. For now, we are not getting carried away (with the results and position on the points table). But should it happen, it will be incredible,” said Robertson.