KOCHI: IT’S almost 20 years since Wes Brown made his senior debut for Manchester United in the Premier League. The centre-back, who was just 18 then, used to train alongside the main squad, but the inclusion in the playing eleven came as a surprise for him which boasted of such stars as David Beckham and Roy Keane.
Nevertheless, he was excited to cut his professional teeth under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, whom Brown considers an inspirational gaffer. Fast forward to 2017, far away from the cooler confines of England, the seasoned defender is making another major move in his career. The 38-year-old is expected to make his debut in the Indian Super League against ATK at Kochi on Friday. This is the first-time Brown is playing outside England and his words sounded as exciting and eager as it were two decades back.
“This is a new experience for me and I feel I am a lot younger now. The fans of Blasters are one of the best in the world and I would like to visit the stadium much before the game. It would be nice to play in such an environment,” Brown said. With Rene Meulensteen — Ferguson’s former assistant at Old Trafford — at the helm, Brown is expected to play a vital role in Blasters’ scheme of things. Brown said playing under Rene, he expects a good start to the ISL campaign.
“I know him well. He is simple, makes everyone understand what he wants from them and takes all on board. Plus he is not too technical and I enjoy playing under him,” Brown commented. Mentioning Ferguson as an inspirational coach, he said the former Manchester United boss clearly knows how to get the best out of the players. “When he speaks to you, he will make you understand what he expects from you. If things are not going as per his wish, he will make it clear to you during the break. He has got different ways with different players,” Brown added.
Brown’s best came in the 1998-99 season when the Red Devils completed the treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. He was also ever-present as United won the Champions League again in 2008. Brown still relives those moments with a glowing smile. “I was just 19 and those memories still come to me. I could start in several matches and nothing else can top the feeling that I had after the treble. It was a fabulous year,” he reminisced. The India sojourn, however, might not be an easy affair for him. It might be the climate than the quality of opponents that would hurt him. “It’s too hot and humid. But the gaffer has got a clear plan and hope it will work on Friday,” he added.
shan.as@newindianexpress.com