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John Gregory celebrates winning Indian Super League title

Chennaiyin are crowned 2018 Indian Super League champions
Image: Chennaiyin celebrate 2018 Indian Super League title triumph

Former Aston Villa and QPR boss John Gregory has become the first English manager to win the Indian Super League.

Gregory's Chennaiyin side were crowned champions after a thrilling 3-2 victory over red-hot favourites Bengaluru in Saturday's final.

Chennaiyin, who were previously managed by World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, are now two-time winners of the Indian Super League.

"It's been an incredible journey for us this season," the Englishman said.

John Gregory is back in management in charge of Chennaiyin FC
Image: John Gregory's last managerial job in England was at Crawley Town

"We have come across so many obstacles throughout the season, but we have got huge togetherness.

"I've got a great set of players and the experienced players helped the young ones through. We stayed focused right till the end and it's just unbelievable.

"If I'm still the only Englishman to have won it in 20 years' time I'll be happy."

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Ex-Derby boss Gregory, who has previously had managerial stints in Israel and Kazakhstan, also paid tribute to Chennaiyin co-owners Vita Dani and Abhishek Bachchan following the title success.

"They (Dani and Bhachcan) leave me alone," the 63-year-old said.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers team celebrates with their owner and Bollywood actor (C) after winning the final match against U Mumba team in t
Image: Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan also owns Pro Kabaddi team Jaipur Pink Panthers

"That is a huge compliment. If you are in charge and you like to be the boss of your household, you like to be the one that makes the decisions.

"But they leave me alone. I have never been questioned (about tactics or team selection). I know other clubs where owners have come in at half-time and they criticise the players."

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