New Delhi: Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has taken over as interim coach of Sikkim United while Phillipe de Ridder has been discharged of any team-related activity after the club`s 1-10 thrashing at the hands of Prayag United in their last I-League match.
Bhaichung, the co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of the club, today took charge of the United Sikkim squad, which is presently in Kolkata.
"Chief coach Phillipe De Ridder is re-designated as the football director of United Sikkim FC from today (November 13, 2012). He will be henceforth handling administrative aspects of the club. He is no longer in-charge of the team or any of player related responsibilities," the club said on its Facebook page.
"United Sikkim CEO Bhaichung Bhutia would be acting as an interim coach till a right person is available with the club to undertake such responsibility," it said.
Assistant coach Syed Altaf Fudden Ahmed has also been discharged from his duties.
Sikkim United suffered the drubbing in a fifth round encounter in Kolkata on November 10 and Bhaichung, who did not play in that match due to suspension, had termed the defeat "disgraceful" and "humiliating".
The Sikkim United squad will have practice at East Bengal ground for two days before flying to Goa on November 15 to play their I-League round six match against Sporting Clube-de-Goa on November 18.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 18:29