From runners-up in the inaugural season to finishing at the bottom of the table last year, Kerala Blasters FC have seen their fortunes swing both ways in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL). In 2014, they set attendance records on their way to the semis, with around 400,000 fans filling up the stands during their home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.Riding on the brilliance of players like Iain Hume, Sandesh Jhingan, Penn Orji, Mehtab Hossain and their talismanic captain David James, the Blasters fell just short against Atlético de Kolkata in the final.In 2015, they had a lot of big hopes, with many new signings and a new coach at the helm but things didn’t go according to plan and they finished a disappointing eighth. Mid-season changes to the coaching staff as well as the collective failure of the squad to gel as a unit led to the club propping up the league.This year they have made a fresh start with the English giant Stephen Coppell at the helm of the coaching staff. They have also brought in a number of new faces, while re-signing some fan favourites and proven performers for the team.Strengths: The major problem last year was their defence, which unfortunately topped the league in terms of goals conceded. They have bolstered their defence this year with the likes of marquee player Aaron Hughes and the returning Cedric Hengbart, while also re-signing Gurwinder Singh and Jhingan. Players like Elhadji Ndoye and Azrack Mahamat can play both in defence as well as sit in front as a defensive midfielder. Re-signing Antonio German in the forward line may turn out to be a masterstroke. The English was a standout last year and can prove lethal with Duckens Nazon and Thongkhosiem Haokip. The arrival of Coppell, who brings along with him vast experience of top-flight English football with consecutive League Managers Association Manager of the Year awards, is, however, likely to be their biggest shot in the arm.Weaknesses: While the defence has been upgraded, their midfield looks a bit shaky with a few newcomers to the Hero ISL. Apart from Josu Currais, the ones re-signed didn’t exactly live up to expectations last year and their recent form can be a matter of concern. Didier Boris Kadio and Mahamat have had European experience but may take time to adjust to the rigours in India. Overall, the midfield has a mix of youth and experience but how well they can form a single unit is a matter of speculation. Plus the new coaching staff will be under a lot of pressure to recover from a disastrous season.New Signings: Graham Stack, Kunal Sawant, Mohammad Ansari, Aaron Hughes, Elhadji Ndoye, Cedric Hengbart, Pratik Chaudhary, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mohammed Rafique, Vinit Rai, Prasanth Karuthadathkuni, Michael Chopra, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Thongkhosiem Haokip.Players to watch out for: Northern Ireland star Aaron Hughes is a proven performer, while Kadio and Currais can control the midfield. German’s exploits (six goals and three assists) last year won him a lot of fans and his combination with Nazon and Haokip, who caught the eye after scoring a hat-trick for FC Goa last year, can keep opponents on their toes.Full Squad (As of now):Coach: Stephen CoppellGoalkeepers: Graham Stack, Sandip Nandy, Kunal Sawant, Mohammad Ansari.Defenders: Aaron Hughes, Cedric Hengbart, Sandesh Jhingan, Gurwinder Singh, Pratik Chaudhary.Midfielders: Elhadji Ndoye, Josu Currais, Didier Boris Kadio, Azrack Mahamat, Mehtab Hossain, Mohammed Rafique, Ishfaq Ahmed, Vinit Rai,Forwards: Michael Chopra, Antonio German, Kervens Belfort, Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafi, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Farukh Chaudhary, Prasanth KaruthadathkuniPrediction: A successful manager in charge, they will surely improve their performance with the support of their passionate fans. A semis appearance is very much on the cards.
