Stephen Constantine Explained

Stephen Constantine
Birth Date:16 October 1962
Birth Place:London, England
Currentclub:Pakistan (manager)
Clubs1:Pennsylvania Stoners
Clubs2:New York Pancyprian-Freedoms
Manageryears1:1999–2001
Managerclubs1:Nepal
Manageryears2:2002–2005
Managerclubs2:India
Manageryears3:2007–2008
Managerclubs3:Malawi
Manageryears4:2009–2010
Managerclubs4:Sudan
Manageryears5:2010
Managerclubs5:APEP
Manageryears6:2010–2012
Managerclubs6:Nea Salamis
Manageryears7:2012–2013
Managerclubs7:Ethnikos Achna
Manageryears8:2013–2014
Managerclubs8:Apollon Smyrni (assistant manager)
Manageryears9:2014–2015
Managerclubs9:Rwanda
Manageryears10:2015–2019
Managerclubs10:India
Manageryears11:2021
Managerclubs11:Pafos
Manageryears12:2022–2023
Managerclubs12:East Bengal
Manageryears13:2023–
Managerclubs13:Pakistan

Stephen Constantine (born 16 October 1962) is an English professional football coach and former player who is the manager of the Pakistan national team.

Early and personal life

Constantine was born on 16 October 1962 in London.[1] He is of Greek-Cypriot descent.[1] He is a fan of English club Arsenal. Constantine is married and has three daughters; his family were living in Cyprus while he was coaching in Sudan.[2]

Playing career

Constantine played in the United States for the Pennsylvania Stoners and the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms.[3] He retired from playing at the age of 26, following a serious knee injury.[3]

Coaching career

After retiring from playing, Constantine spent his early coaching career in the United States and Cyprus.[3]

Constantine coached the Nepal national team between 1999 and 2001, and was awarded a medal by the country's King.[3] Constantine was then manager of the India national team from 2002 to 2005.[4] He also guided the Indian team winning silver medal at the 2003 Afro-Asian Games.[5] After leaving India he was the first-team coach for English club Millwall during the 2005–06 season.[6] He has also worked in England for AFC Bournemouth.[1]

In January 2007, he was on a two-man shortlist, alongside Carlos Alberto da Luz, for the manager's job of the Malawi national team.[7] He was named as Malawi manager in February 2007, with the role beginning on 1 March 2007.[8] He resigned in April 2008.[9]

He became manager of the Sudan national team in February 2009.[10] After leaving Sudan he managed in the Cypriot domestic leagues with APEP and Nea Salamis Famagusta, the latter of which he guided to promotion in the Cypriot First Division.[11] He was also manager of Ethnikos Achna from December 2012 to February 2013.[12]

In July 2013, he was linked with the Jamaica national team vacancy.[13] He became the assistant manager of Greek club Apollon Smyrni in November 2013.[14] He set up the British Coaches Abroad Association in November 2013.[15]

He became manager of the Rwanda national team in May 2014,[16] taking charge of his first match in June.[17] He stated his aim was to build a team strong enough to challenge for the 2016 African Nations Championship, which Rwanda were due to host.[18] In December 2014 Rwanda attained their highest ever ranking, of 68th position.[19] Later that month he was linked with a return to India as their new national manager,[20] [21] and in early January 2015 he was offered the position.[22]

Return to India

In December 2014, it was reported that Constantine would become the next head coach of India again, after Wim Koevermans' contract ran out.[23] He would beat the favourite for the position, Ricki Herbert.[23] On 16 January 2015, it was confirmed that Constantine had returned to take over India for a second stint.[24]

His first match as India head coach came on 12 March 2015 in the qualifier against Nepal at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. Two goals from Sunil Chhetri lead India to a 2–0 victory and lead going into the second leg in Kathmandu.[25] A 0–0 draw at the Dasarath Rangasala Stadium saw India progress to the next round of World Cup/Asian Cup qualifying.[26] As a result of India's top results against Nepal, the country saw a rise by 26 in the April FIFA World Rankings to 147.[27]

In April 2015, it was announced that India would be placed in Group D for the World Cup/Asian Cup qualifiers with Asia's top side, Iran, as well as Oman, Turkmenistan, and Guam.[28] India came bottom of the group, winning only one game.[29]

In January 2016, Constantine led India to the SAFF Championship title, beating Afghanistan 2–1 in the final. He led India to 100th in the FIFA rankings as of June 2017.[30] The win against Kyrgyzstan in June was India's eighth in a row.[31] The unbeaten streak ran to 13 games, including 11 wins, but ended with a 2–1 defeat to Kyrgyzstan in March 2018.[32] In 2016 he rejected the opportunity to manager English League One club Port Vale.[33]

During the unbeaten run, India qualified for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.[34] In June 2018, India won the Intercontinental Cup, beating Kenya in the final.[35] Afterwards, Constantine was named Sports Illustrated coach of the year in India.[36]

At the 2019 Asian Cup, Constantine said he was aiming for progression from the group stages.[37] The team won their opening game against Thailand, but finished fourth in their group after conceding a last-minute penalty in their final group game against Bahrain, and Constantine resigned from his position as manager.[38] After his resignation, the All India Football Federation president Praful Patel said: "It's been a wonderful journey. We have travelled a long distance together, and the world has seen it all."[39] Constantine took India from 173 in the FIFA World Rankings in March 2015 [40] to 97 in December 2018.[41]

Later career

In January 2021 he became chief football operations officer at Cypriot club Pafos.[42] In February 2021 he was appointed head coach.[43] His contract expired on 30 June 2021.[44]

In January 2022 he was linked with the vacant role as the Singapore national team manager.[45]

In July 2022 he became head coach of Indian Super League club East Bengal.[46] He left the position in April 2023.[47] [48]

Pakistan

On 30 September 2023, Constantine was announced as the head coach of the Pakistan national football team.[49]

Constantine led Pakistan to their first-ever victory in World Cup qualifiers in their first fixture at home in 8 years by beating Cambodia, and qualifying for the second round for the first time.[50]

FIFA

Constantine has worked as a FIFA Instructor,[51] and is a member of FIFA's elite coaching panel.[6]

Other

In March 2018, Constantine's autobiography, From Delhi to the Den, was nominated for the Football Writers' Association book of the year, part of the British Sports Book Awards.[52]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Brits abroad: Six coaches from these isles you've never heard of. 10 April 2013. 2 January 2015. Eurosport. 2 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151425/https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs/world-of-sport/brits-abroad-six-coaches-isles-never-heard-165706548.html. live.
  2. Web site: The Coach of Lost Causes. 19 June 2009. 8 December 2014. Jeff D. Opdyke. Wall Street Journal. 2 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402233551/http://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970204005504574232143660633948?mod=wsj_share_goog&mg=reno64-wsj. live.
  3. Web site: 10 Questions With... Stephen Constantine. 30 September 2010. 8 December 2014. Clemente Lisi. US Soccer Players. 11 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075324/https://ussoccerplayers.com/2010/09/10-questions-with-stephen-constantine.html. live.
  4. News: Constantine's rising stock. 19 November 2003. 30 December 2014. Stuart Roach. BBC Sport. 21 November 2003. https://web.archive.org/web/20031121152646/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3283523.stm. live.
  5. Web site: Afro-Asian Games 2003. 20 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20220928130141/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesa/asafrgam01.html. 28 September 2022. RSSSF. Arunava. Chaudhuri. Karel. Stokkermans. 2001.
  6. News: Passage from India. 14 December 2005. 30 December 2014. Ian Hughes. BBC Sport. 21 December 2005. https://web.archive.org/web/20051221102041/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/4528378.stm. live.
  7. News: Two in frame for Malawi job. 19 January 2007. 30 December 2014. Aubrey Sumbuleta. BBC Sport. 22 January 2007. https://web.archive.org/web/20070122105659/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6279079.stm. live.
  8. News: Constantine named as Malawi coach. 2 February 2007. 30 December 2014. Aubrey Sumbuleta. BBC Sport. 7 December 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191207231319/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/6323801.stm. live.
  9. News: Constantine dumps Malawi. 17 April 2008. 30 December 2014. Aubrey Sumbuleta. BBC Sport. 11 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075345/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/7352235.stm. live.
  10. Web site: Exclusive: Sudan Appoint Stephen Constantine As National Coach. 15 February 2009. 30 December 2014. Rahul Bali. Goal.com. 2 March 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150302053354/http://www.goal.com/en/news/1647/wcq-africa/2009/02/16/1111410/exclusive-sudan-appoint-stephen-constantine-as-national-coach. live.
  11. Web site: Stephen Constantine: I'm quite happy to do the jobs that nobody else wants. 9 October 2014. 30 December 2014. Sam Crocker. The Guardian. 2 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150102173827/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/oct/09/stephen-constantine-rwanda-football. live.
  12. Web site: Profile. 17 March 2015. Soccerway.
  13. Web site: Englishman Constantine front-runner for coaching job — source. 16 July 2013. 2 January 2015. Howard Walker. The Jamaica Observer.
  14. Web site: Ανακοίνωση. 21 November 2013. 30 December 2014. el. Apollon Smyrni F.C.. 2 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150102182420/http://www.fcapollon.gr/news/genika-nea/35/@1482.aspx?returnpage=%2fcms%2f1-Home-Page.aspx%3fpage%3d0. live.
  15. Web site: British Coaches Abroad: The First Year. 3 December 2014. 2 January 2015. Owen Amos. Football365. 3 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150103143040/http://www.football365.com/f365-features/9590640/British-Coaches-Abroad-The-First-Year. live.
  16. Web site: Stephen Constantine appointed Rwanda coach. 21 May 2014. 3 January 2015. BBC Sport. 11 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075333/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/27374744. live.
  17. Web site: Constantine eyes Rwanda breakthrough. https://web.archive.org/web/20150103152754/http://www.fifa.com/world-match-centre/news/newsid/240/917/3/. dead. 3 January 2015. 30 July 2014. 2 January 2015. FIFA.
  18. Web site: Rwanda coach Constantine targets 2016 CHAN success. 22 May 2014. 30 December 2014. Ian Hughes. BBC Sport. 30 November 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141130141911/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27504521. live.
  19. Web site: Rwanda achieve historic Fifa ranking. 18 December 2014. 30 December 2014. Usher Komugisha. SuperSport.com. 30 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141230170501/http://www.supersport.com/football/africa/news/141218/Rwanda_achieve_historic_Fifa_ranking. live.
  20. Web site: Stephen Constantine to take charge as India football team's coach. 27 December 2014. 30 December 2014. The Times of India. 31 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141231034211/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Stephen-Constantine-to-take-charge-as-India-football-teams-coach/articleshow/45661636.cms. live.
  21. News: Constantine poised for a second stint. 21 December 2014. 2 January 2015. The Hindu. 11 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075342/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/constantine-poised-for-a-second-stint/article6713024.ece. live.
  22. Web site: AIFF offers Constantine Indian football coach's job. 6 January 2015. 8 January 2015. The Times of India. 7 January 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150107072003/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/AIFF-offers-Constantine-Indian-football-coachs-job/articleshow/45780594.cms. live.
  23. News: Stephen Constantine to take charge as India football team's coach. 4 August 2015. Times of India. 27 December 2014. 31 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141231034211/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Stephen-Constantine-to-take-charge-as-India-football-teams-coach/articleshow/45661636.cms. live.
  24. News: Stephen Constantine Appointed Head Coach of Indian Football Team. 4 August 2015. NDTV Sports. 16 January 2015. 31 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151031000701/http://sports.ndtv.com/football/news/236042-stephen-constantine-appointed-head-coach-of-indian-football-team. live.
  25. News: Mitra. Atanu. Netto. Brendon. India 2-0 Nepal: Chhetri leads Blue Tigers to victory over neighbours. 4 August 2015. Goal.com. 12 March 2015. 1 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150901044102/http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/india-vs-nepal/2012936/report. live.
  26. News: INDIA BEAT NEPAL TO REACH JOINT QUALIFIERS SECOND ROUND. 4 August 2015. The Asian Football Confederation. 17 March 2015. 13 August 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150813101508/http://www.the-afc.com/india-nepal-asian-cup-2019-2018-world-cup/india-beat-nepal-to-reach-joint-qualifiers-second-round. live.
  27. News: Mitra. Atanu. Noronha. Anselm. India ranked 147 in latest FIFA Rankings, climb 26 places. 4 August 2015. Goal.com. 9 April 2015. 24 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145924/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2696/indian-national-team/2015/04/09/10597302/india-ranked-147-in-latest-fifa-rankings-climb-26-places. live.
  28. News: Bera. Kaustav. Noronha. Anselm. India placed in Group D in the 2018 World Cup and 2019 Asian Cup Qualifier Round Two. 4 August 2015. Goal.com. 14 April 2015. 24 September 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145132/http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2015/04/14/10746452/india-placed-in-group-d-in-the-2018-world-cup-and-2019-asian-cup-. live.
  29. Web site: FIFA World Cup 2018 AFC qualifying. https://web.archive.org/web/20071118141111/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/asia/index.html#275195. dead. 18 November 2007. 3 April 2018. 3 April 2018. FIFA.com.
  30. News: India beat Afghanistan 2-1 to lift SAFF Cup title for 7th time - Times of India. The Times of India. 3 January 2016 . 16 June 2017. 26 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160926101420/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/India-beat-Afghanistan-2-1-to-lift-SAFF-Cup-title-for-7th-time/articleshow/50429054.cms. live.
  31. Web site: India have one foot in 2019 Asian Cup finals. Dhiman Sarkar. 14 June 2017. hindustantimes.com. 4 July 2017. 28 June 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170628120814/http://www.hindustantimes.com/football/stephen-constantine-india-have-one-foot-in-2019-asian-cup-finals/story-jXXhy98UAw04GQGd9bAPPL.html. live.
  32. Web site: India's 13-match unbeaten streak ends. 27 March 2018. 3 April 2018. scroll.in. 11 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075332/https://scroll.in/field/873552/indias-13-match-unbeaten-streak-ends-with-2-1-defeat-against-kyrgyz-republic. live.
  33. News: Fielding . Rob . Nearly men 30: cosmopolitan manager Constantine who turned down Port Vale in 2016 . 20 April 2023 . onevalefan.co.uk . 20 April 2023.
  34. Web site: India may have already qualified for Asian Cup, but Kyrgyzstan match is no dead rubber. Arka Bhattacharya. 26 March 2018. scroll.in. 20 July 2018. 20 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180720165558/https://scroll.in/field/873404/preview-india-may-have-already-qualified-for-asian-cup-but-kyrgyzstan-match-is-no-dead-rubber. live.
  35. Web site: India win 2018 Intercontinental Cup. Swapnaneel Parasar. 10 June 2018. goal.com. 20 July 2018. 20 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180720140050/http://www.goal.com/en-ie/news/india-win-2018-intercontinental-cup-final-kenya-mumbai/130u9ampl52hw1jwjfmabqpjec. live.
  36. Web site: Kidambi Srikanth wins sportsperson of the year. 22 June 2018. uniindia.com. 20 July 2018. 20 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180720140023/http://www.uniindia.com/~/kidambi-srikanth-bags-sports-illustrated-sportsperson-of-the-year/Sports/news/1267185.html. live.
  37. Web site: Stephen Constantine aiming to lead India to historic qualification in Asian Cup | London | ITV News . Itv.com . 11 January 2019 . 23 January 2021 . 15 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190115023840/https://www.itv.com/news/london/2019-01-11/stephen-constantine-aiming-to-lead-india-to-historic-qualification-in-asian-cup/ . live .
  38. Web site: Fox Sports. 14 January 2019. 15 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190115023657/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/football/asian-football/afc-asian-cup/1019451/breaking-indian-head-coach-stephen-constantine-resigns-after-afc-asian-cup-exit/. live.
  39. Web site: AIFF thanks Constantine. 15 January 2019. 24 January 2019. SportsKeeda. 25 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190125020610/https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/aiff-thanks-constantine-for-his-contribution-to-indian-football. live.
  40. Web site: FIFA World Rankings March 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20190125020456/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/rank/id11027/#AFC. dead. 25 January 2019. 12 March 2015. 24 January 2018. FIFA.
  41. Web site: FIFA World Rankings December 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181221041337/https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/rank/id12406/#AFC. dead. 21 December 2018. 20 December 2018. 24 January 2018. FIFA.
  42. Web site: Stephen Constantine: New Chief Football Operations Officer And Board Adviser . Pafosfc.com.cy . 29 November 2020 . 23 January 2021.
  43. Web site: New head coach. 4 February 2021. 7 February 2021. Pafos FC. 4 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210204163835/https://pafosfc.com.cy/archives/5039. live.
  44. Web site: END OF CONTRACT WITH STEPHEN CONSTANTINE.
  45. Web site: Football: Coaches with impressive CVs among those interested in Lions job | The Straits Times. Hermes. Auto. 22 January 2022. www.straitstimes.com. 23 February 2022. 23 February 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220223111015/https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/football-coaches-with-impressive-cvs-among-those-interested-in-lions-job. live.
  46. News: Indian football | Former national team coach Stephen Constantine takes charge of East Bengal. The Hindu . 27 July 2022. www.thehindu.com. 27 July 2022. 27 July 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220727174831/https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/indian-football-former-national-team-coach-stephen-constantine-takes-charge-of-east-bengal/article65690463.ece. live.
  47. Web site: Head coach Stephen Constantine departs East Bengal FC. Indian Super League.
  48. Web site: ISL: East Bengal parts ways with Stephen Constantine. Team. Sportstar. 25 April 2023. sportstar.thehindu.com.
  49. Web site: PFF names Stephen Constantine Head Coach of Men's National Team. 30 September 2023. The Nation.
  50. News: Aarons . Ed . 2023-10-16 . Pakistan beat Cambodia to register first win in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers history . en-GB . Geo Sports . 2023-10-17 . 0261-3077.
  51. Web site: Communiqué. 10 April 2013. 2 January 2015. 20. 5. PDF. The Football Association. 11 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220811075329/https://www.thefa.com/~/media/files/pdf/thefa/communique_magazine/communique20eng.ashx. live.
  52. Web site: Busby and Paisley go head-to-head. 19 March 2018. 7 April 2018. The Bookseller. 13 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180613084847/https://www.thebookseller.com/news/busby-and-paisley-go-head-head-sport-book-year-longlist-752176. live.

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