The following IndianFootball.Com eMail Interview was done with PHIL KENNEDY from Sapphire Enterprises, the organisers of the Indian national team tour to England.

How difficult was it to plan the 2001 tour?

Arranging football matches in the UK is always difficult with such a long season and the clubs other pre-season committments. However, last year's solid performance by India has meant that quality teams want to play them knowing they'll get a good game.
As with last year, we have planned the fixtures very carefully, involving a variety of clubs to give India as wide a range of experience as possible. Equally, all four matches will be played in or close to areas where Asians and particularly Indian, live.

What do you expect from the 2001 tour?

After last year, expectations are very high. We would expect India to win at least two of the four matches and they could do better than that. The players gained a great deal from the first tour playing in a totally new enviroment for them. Now they can pull on that experience along with the experiences gained in this year's World Cup campaign and really challenge the English club sides.

What performance do you expect from the Indian team?

Personally, I hope India play to win every match. I think the coaching staff need to be brave and commit to each match. Scoring goals against competition of this standard is not always easy but playing to a nil-nil draw is not always entertaining football.

What do you think will be the public response on the 2001 tour?
What are the ticket prices?

Everyone who attended last year had a great time. Lots of flags and drums and noise, I'm sure, they will be back to support India again this year. We have even dropped our prices to allow everyone an opportunity to see a match or two. This year tickets will be priced at £10 for adults, £5 for OAP's and students and just £1 for children under 16 years of age. It should be noted that Kids for a Quid tickets at Walsall are limited to the Family Stand.

Why should the people come to the India matches?

Why wouldn't Indians want to support their team? Football is on the up around the world. India has a good quality side that needs to play more big matches to broaden the players' skills. Last year the massive support at West Bromwich Albion lifted the team who played magnificently against a strong Division One club.
I think everyone should attend at least one game and demonstrate their support for the national side, bring a horn or drum and make some noise. These matches really are good fun!

Do you think the experiences from the 2000 tour, will make things easier this time?

I think I've already answered this in part. 2000 was a ground breaking year for Indian football. Every team member learnt so much from the experience and obvioulsy that will make things easier for the team.
The same goes for organising the tour. We have so much more knowledge this year and clubs know that we deliver and that the games will go ahead.