Kerala Blasters FC defender Jamie McAllister has signed for English club Exeter City that plays in Football League Two. The Scottish international spoke to BBC Sport as he opened up about his connection with India, Sachin Tendulkar and the Kerala fans in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).Making six appearances for Kerala Blasters, McAllister also played the role of an assistant coach, working alongside player-head coach David James. Other than James, the ISL showcased the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Nicolas Anelka, Robert Pirès, David Trezeguet, Luis Garcia, Marco Materazzi and even Alessandro Nesta. “The interest and media coverage that went behind it was incredible,” said McAllister reinforcing the interest taken by the world of football towards the ISL. “The Indian people were superb, while the players were eager and hungry to learn, do well and work hard, so it was a great experience."You had to have five Indian players in the starting 11 at all times, so there was always a mix between the foreign lads and the Indian boys, and it worked very well,” explained the Scotsman. On Sachin Tendulkar, one of the biggest sporting icons on the planet, McAllister had nothing but praise to shower on the cricketing legend who was seen in a new role as co-owner of the Kochi-based team. "He's got a big passion for football and he wants to try and drive football on and try and make it as big as cricket, if it can be, in India.”The former Bristol City defender added: “Sachin's a very humble man; he's a nice man. We met him a few times, he had lunch with us a few times and he did a motivational speech in one of our meetings. He was very hands-on with us. It was great just to be around him.”He also threw some light on Tendulkar’s self-effacing and respectful side. He said, "I'm not a big cricket fan but the Indian lads worshipped him. He was so humble and easy to talk to.”Kerala was one of the clubs in the ISL that received massive support from the state and the fans who flocked from all over to come and stand behind their side. Their role as the team’s 12th man and one of the biggest motivators to the team’s progression was highlighted by players throughout the tournament.McAllister too, did not hesitate to applaud the fans and their role in Kerala’s road to the final. “They were of a very good standard, the crowds were great and the football was good as well. In the semi-final, we had 60,000 in the stadium and 20,000 outside watching it on a big screen. The noise outside with drummers, DJs and fireworks before the game was superb,” said the 36-year-old as he looked back at one of his fondest memories with the South India based club.“When you left the hotel, you had to have security with you, as when you went to some of the big malls you were mobbed by fans wanting autographs. It was just incredible,” said McAllister emphasising the level of respect and passion exhibited by the people of Kerala toward their team. The Scotsman’s time as player for Kerala was not as fulfilling as he might have liked. He was injured for the initial stage of the tournament and was able to re-join the squad in the latter stages helping them qualify and beat Chennaiyin FC in the semi-finals. The Blasters started their campaign on the weaker foot playing their first five games away from home. As they began to find their feet with 60,000 vociferous fans at the back, they looked more and more dominating as the tournament progressed.They did however face a strong challenge in the two legged semi-final as they managed to brush aside Chennaiyin FC in the first leg. They were favourites going into the second leg with a 3-0 advantage. “A few of our boys had been booked in the first leg and two yellows meant you missed the final,” explained McAllister as he began to sum up his journey with the team. "There was a lot of stuff in the papers that they were going to come out and kick us, so that if they didn't make the final, some of us wouldn't make it through suspension or injury," he continued."It was a great learning experience," enthused McAllister. "I would love to go back if I got the opportunity, although my main focus now is Exeter and wanting to do well here,” he said ending on a positive yet optimistic note.All quotes taken from Jamie McAllister’s interview with BBC Sport.