Scott O'Donell is well known in football circles in India as commentator for ESPN/Star Sports but he is not only that as he is also the coach at Singapore club Geylang United.
Having played his professional football in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore, Scott took on the career of coaching. He has been a success with Geylang United. He was awarded S-league coach of the year 2003 award. In the buildup to the all important AFC Cup clash, Scott gives us his insights into the East bengal-Geylang match.

There are millions of fans who follow the English Premier League in India and have heard your voice on TV. Can you tell us more about your background?

I played professional football in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. In Australia I combined a teaching career (economics and business studies) with playing as it was only semi-pro at that stage. Then later I played full-time in Malaysia and Singapore.
I undertook my coaching licences while coming to the end of my playing career and I also studied journalism while playing in Singapore.
Geylang United Football Club is my first full-time coaching job.

You have been praised for your performances as Geylang coach. You were also given the S-League coach of the year 2003 Award. Any insights into the reason behind your success?

Hard work and having a group of hard working professional players who are willing to work for each other.

What are your expectations from the AFC Cup match against East Bengal in Calcutta?

We go out to try and win every match we play. We know it will be a tough match but we are looking forward to it.

How would you rate Indian football at its current state and any special message to Indian football fans of what to expect from Geylang United?

I don't know that much about Indian football really. I have made it my business to follow the fortunes of East Bengal this season and have watched them quite a few times on video.
As for the fans, I believe they are very passionate about their football and we are looking forward to seeing them next week.

How would you rate this current East Bengal squad? Any special preparations for the match considering the nature of your opponent, the conditions, etc.?

East Bengal have a very talented squad, their performances in the league and the AFC Cup reflect this. We will be approaching this game the same as any other game we play. Obviously the travelling will be a factor but that is part and parcel of playing in regional tournaments.
We have a S-League game on friday, so we are totally focussed on that game at present.

What do you think will be the biggest factor in determining the outcome of this match. Will it be a matchup between East Bengal's attacking powers against Geylang's rocksolid defence?

The biggest determining factor will be who scores the most goals! We are aware of East Bengal's ability to score goals, but they have conceded a few as well.

There have been some good performances of late by the Singapore national team and clubs in their respective competitions. Do you think it will be a factor in this match and in future international matches?

One of our players travelled to India earlier this year with the Singapore national team, so obviously he will be telling the players what to expect however, I don't think previous performances by Singapore's national team will have any bearing on the outcome of our game next week.

Regarding AFC Cup, which teams will you consider as favorites for the title?

I don't know that much about the other teams in the other groups, but of the teams I do know, I would have to say Home United (Singapore), East Bengal and Perak FC (Malaysia) would fancy their chances.

Your comments about the AFC Cup format and how will it help lesser developed football nations like Singapore and India?

I think the AFC Cup is a great idea. Not only does it give club's in developing footballing countries the oppurtunity to play in regional tournaments, but the format allows for the players to experience different styles of football and refereeing in the different countries they play in. for example, in the Maldives, it was the first time I have ever gone to a game by boat!
Obviously in its inaugural season there will be some hiccups, but I'm sure as time goes on, it will get better and better.

Geylang finds themselves in some good run at the moment both in the S-league and the AFC Cup after a sluggish start. Your side has shown Great Spirit at times. Like against Negri, your side came from goal behind to win the match, what will you attribute this success to?

We didn't have a great start to the season. We have 11 new players in the squad this year and we have had more than our fair share of injuries and suspensions, which haven't helped. But in terms of coming from behind to win games, it is down to the players' self belief and attitude. They know until the final whistle, there is always a chance.

There were rumors in the Indian media linking Mike Okoro of East Bengal to Geylang. What's your take on it?It is the first I have heard of it and since I am the person at Geylang who is responsible for signing players, I have to say there is no truth in it at al.

Thank you for your time in talking to IndianFootball.Com and best of luck for the future!