NowthatJapanhas made its mark , Greg can see an Indian invasion
Greg Stewart has just won the Indian Super League for the second season on the trot.
In 2022, he was a champion as part of Owen Coyle’s Jamshedpur side, and now he’s lifted the title again, this time with Mumbai City.
Indeed, he’s been a title winner for the past three years as he was with Rangers for their success in 2021 under Steven Gerrard.
The 33-year-old loved that success at Ibrox, but is now focused on his current team and his next game, a play-off for a place in the Asian Champions League.
Stewart believes Indian football is on the up, and that the investment in grassroots and youth set-ups will see a talented pool of local players emerge in the next decade.
He has seen the impact of Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate in Scotland, and wouldn’t be surprised if India produces players of the quality that has come out of Japan in the last 20 years.
The former Dundee, Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Cowdenbeath striker told The Sunday Post: “It’s a great feeling to win the title again.
“We’ve thoroughly deserved it. We’ve played some really attractive football and credit to our manager, Des Buckingham. He’s a very good coach.
“We now play Jamshedpur on April 4, and the winner will get into the Asian Champions League, which is massive because no Indian team has played in that tournament before.
“So we all know what is at stake. It’s the biggest game of the season, and I’m ready and looking forward to it.
“I’ve enjoyed my time in India, and have another year left on my contract with Mumbai City.
“It’s been more enjoyable this year because, with Covid restrictions lifted, you’re allowed more freedom to explore and do everyday stuff.
“Last year we had to stay in the hotel at all times, and all the games were played in Goa.
“But it’s been back to normal this season, the same as everywhere else in the world.
“The interest in football is growing all the time in India. Sure, cricket is the No. 1 sport, but football is making its own impact.
“I know the likes of Mumbai City have
things in place to introduce as many youngsters as possible to football.
“Lots of others are doing the same, looking at the grassroots and the youths, looking at ways to invest in football.
“Right now, there are some talented Indian footballers in the league, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Indian players are playing in Europe within 10 years.
“It’s an untapped market, but I don’t expect it to be that way for too much longer. Clubs will start looking here for players.
“You only need to look at the way Japan was 25 years ago to where they are now.
“They have many talented players playing all over Europe, and we’ve all seen the impact the Japanese guys at Celtic have made in Scotland.
“Our assistant manager, Hiroshi Miyazawa, is Japanese, and I’ve spoken to him about football in his homeland.
“He said the work ethic, commitment and dedication was always there in Japanese football, but it was just about looking at the technical side of things.
“The country focused on that for young players in the past generation, and they have been rewarded for their planning and strategy.
“Hiroshi is a good coach, and works well with Des. They are a good partnership, know the game and treat the players very well.
“That’s what I would expect from the club owners, the City Group. They plan carefully and invest wisely. They take every part of what they do very seriously.”
Stewart has been back in Scotland for a short break to see his family, and catch up with some former team-mates.
Of course, he keeps an eye on all of his former clubs, and has been watching Michael Beale’s start as Rangers manager with interest.
He said: “Mick was the first-team coach under Steven Gerrard when I was at Ibrox.
“Mick is brilliant at what he does, and I always felt he’d be the manager of Rangers one day. I know what the club means to him.
“He’s had a very good start, and got most things right. The short-term goal will be to beat Celtic to keep the Scottish Cup.
“Beyond that, he’ll be itching for the summer transfer window to move on players, and bring new ones in.
“There will be a reshuffle, and I think he will bring the success to Rangers that everyone connected to the club wants.”