Kochi: Kerala Blasters Football Club (KBFC) chief executive officer (CEO) Varun Tripuraneni has trashed the allegation raised by its former player Iain Hume that the club did not keep its promises.
Star striker Hume had alleged that the Blasters management and coach David James didn't keep the promises that were made to him when he had to sit out due to an injury. The Canadian raised these issues after joining FC Pune City ahead of the fifth season of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Tripuraneni's take on Hume's allegations:
Hume is indeed a dear one, but he hasn't gained 100 per cent match fitness. Looks like he will need another four months to return to the game. Our decision was based on the realisation that his services won't be available until January.
The pre-season started earlier than expected. The Toyota Yaris LaLiga World also arrived in between. The number of foreign players has been restricted to seven. If eight were allowed, we would have waited for Hume until January.
The club did not abandon Hume, who was injured last season. His surgery was conducted by Pune's reputed orthopedic surgeon Dr Sachin Tapasvi. Further treatment was also funded by the club. Hume was taken care of by the club also during the Super Cup.
Later, when he joined his family in the UK, Blasters' fitness coach Dave Richardson supervised his exercises. Head coach David James also monitored his progress continuously. In fact, Hume had specifically cited Richardson's role in his progress.
Former Blasters coach Rene Mulensteen gave Hume a chance last season, but he wasn't up to the mark. The club did not drop him. Instead we provided opportunities later also, once David took charge. Hume was rising to his top form when he was injured. It can only be called unfortunate.
It's regrettable that Hume did not discuss what the club had done for him. We had many future plans for him. I can't reveal them now.
