‘He should never have been appointed’

Former India captain Jude Felix was scathing in his criticism of the national hockey setup on Tuesday, in the light of Michael Nobbs’s exit as coach.

“There’s no point blaming Nobbs; it’s not his fault. Those who appointed him have to answer the country,” he said.

Felix laid the blame at the feet of past colleague Pargat Singh, who was earlier chairman of the Hockey India technical committee.

“I was absolutely shocked to know that a person of Pargat’s stature had recommended him. Pargat and I are good friends, but he has to take responsibility. They should have done their homework,” he said.

“Why did they wait for a year after the Olympics to sack him?” Felix asked. “Why did it take them three years (sic) to realise that he was not good enough? It is just mismanagement.”

M.P. Ganesh, captain of the Indian team that won bronze at the 1972 Olympics, also said Nobbs should never have been appointed. “He has never coached any major team to victory,” he said. “I had expressed my doubts even when he was hired. I say, better late than never.”

Ganesh, who has also coached the national team, said “I would prefer an Indian coach because he can understand the psychology of the players. If we do bring in foreign coaches it must only be for a short period.”

Things, meanwhile, went on as normal at the junior camp at the SAI here. The senior squad is expected sometime next week.