Peter hopes for an indian Summer and the chance to see his new-born kid
Peter Hartley hopes to soon be wrestling with the most- agonising choice of his life.
The more successful he is as captain of Jamshedpur in the Indian Premier League, the more likely it is he’ll be confronted by a huge decision.
The former Motherwell defender is 4,800 miles from home, restricted by a stringent ISL bubble, and unsure if he will be able to attend the birth of his second child.
If his club, coached by ex- Fir Park favourite, Owen Coyle, finish in the top four of the table by the end of next month, he’ll be needed in Goa for another three weeks.
They’re bang in contention at the 20-game season’s halfway stage.
However, wife Jessica’s due date is March 8, and it’s already an emotional wrench, both following the pregnancy on Facetime, and being apart from his threeyear-old son, Emerson.
This wasn’t the plan when Coyle persuaded Hartley to move out to India after Well withdrew a contract offer.
Hartley explained: “We hoped after the first Lockdown, that things would get easier. The initial idea was get through January, then fly the family over.
“That’s not happening because it’s getting worse in the UK. And here, we’re in an ISL bubble.
“Unless my wife came over and abided by the two weeks’ quarantine by herself and the little man, it’s not worth it.
“It’s really difficult being away from them. But I’ve got to provide for them, so I don’t feel I’m being selfish.
“I’m 32, and doing well now could give me a platform to play for the next three years or so.
“I’m grateful for this opportunity, and I’m loving the experience. I’m on cloud nine at times.
“But I also have down days when I just want to be home. And there’s a big chance I could miss the birth.
“The gaffer knows the situation. He’s put the ball in my court.
“We’re lucky that both Jessica’s sister and mum are midwives.
“That will help with the current hospital rules. If I’m not there, she has two family members. But, of course, I’d love to be there.
“Who knows? It might get to the end of February and I’m allowed to fly home and be back without quarantining.
“But these things are always changing. I’ll probably have a very difficult decision. I can only wait and see.”
Hartley was sold on the switch by his former Fir Park team- mate, and ATK Mohun Bagan player, Carl Mchugh, who waxed lyrical about visiting India’s diverse cities for games.
However, the entire 2020/21 campaign is being played in three empty stadiums in the Goa area.
The strict bubble has successfully locked Covid- 19 cases out of the ISL scene.
Hartley said: “Every team is in a different hotel. We only walk in certain parts, and no other guests are allowed into our restaurant.
“All our rooms are on one side of the hotel. The facilities are amazing, with tennis courts and lots of restaurants on the complex’s other side – but we just can’t use them.
“I could walk 100 yards and be on the beach and in the sea. But, again, that’s not allowed. It’s mental torture!
“They’ve shut the pool, and we’re not even allowed ice baths.
“We’re tested for Covid every three days, and have to file our temperatures every morning via Whatsapp.
“If I want to use the gym, I text a coach, who meets me at my room and walks me there. He then waits for me to finish and walks me back.
“It’s full-on, but they’ve done a fantastic job. At times it’s mundane, but we’re here to play football.
“I feel 25 again, and I’ve got a new lease of life training in heat. The views are phenomenal and the people are amazing.”
Hartley hopes taking a long- term view will get the family through a fraught period.
“The beauty of this, is I’ve six months off when the season ends,” he added.
“I’d like to think my play will warrant a new contract. Then hopefully the rules change. “
“Bringing my wife, son and newborn to India would be fantastic.”