Coach Nuttall gets Gor Mahia fans purring

When little known Scot Frank Nuttall took over the reins at Gor Mahia from compatriot Bobby Williamson seven weeks ago, his arrival was met with apprehension and pessimism by the Kenyan media and the club's vociferous fans.

A rookie as far as coaching is concerned, the soft spoken Scot in his maiden briefing with reporters on a warm Thursday afternoon on September 3 was humble enough to acknowledge this fact.

He also used the occasion to explain why he had been persuaded to take the job, explaining that his firm conviction, thick skin and the desire to succeed were guiding principles in taking the new assignment.

“We had an in-depth and interactive engagement with the club chairman (Ambrose Rachier). He was persuasive and he convinced me to be here. It’s a new project I am taking, a new challenge for me and I am positive that at the end of the season we will be having success.”

“I promise that I will do my best. Pressure is not a problem to me, I enjoy it. I am very technical and give emphasis to detail. I know about the size of the club and this is an opportunity to help the club realize success,” he said back then.

Fast forward to today, Nuttall is not only inching closer to living this dream but has also warmed his way to the hearts of K'Ogallo fans.

RETAINING LEAGUE

His charges are not only high riding at the summit of the 16-team table where they top on 54 points, but are also on the brink of retaining the league title, a fete that will stretch their tally to unprecedented 14.

Under his watch, Gor are yet to taste defeat in the league, having registered three wins and similar number of draws to establish a four- point advantage over second placed Sofapaka.

As things stand, the man who has in the past worked as an assistant coach with UAE’s club Al- Nasr and with Chinese outfit Qingdao Hainiu- prior to his Kenyan job, must be full of glee ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Sofapaka that has been billed as a make or break meeting for the two.

“We played well in a tough match against Mathare United (on Sunday).We are taking one match at a time. Odhiambo (George) is also doing well and you can see he has the confidence,” he told Daily Nation Sport after Sunday’s 1-0 conquest over Mathare United.

As things stand, Sofapaka on 50 points, and third placed Tusker (45), have remote mathematical chances of claiming the gong, while Gor have destiny in own hands.

The Batoto Ba Mungu are yet to confront Gor, Tusker and AFC Leopards- all formidable oppositions while the champions have on the other hand two fixtures against Muhoroni Youth and Ushuru FC.