CHUKS AKUNETO Eyes Return

Coach Chuks Akuneto, the first team coach of Football Club United of Manchester, the club which was formed in 2005 by Manchester United supporters opposed to American businessman Malcolm Glazer's controversial takeover of the club has revealed to his desire to return to Nigeria to handle any of the junior national teams or any ambitious clubside.

" I am enjoying myself here at my club who though playing in the lower tiers of English football are making steady progress for a club who were formed just seven years ago. At this stage of my career development as a young coach, I am happy as it gives me the freedom to continue to develop my knowledge of the game practically while I complete my UEFA A badge.

However, i still desire to return to Nigeria to put to work all I have acquired in terms of study and experience here in Europe in any of the junior national teams, or for any ambitious premier League or National league side. I applied for the Flying Eagles job but John Obuh was retained and he is doing a great job. Manu Garba is also doing wonderfully well with the U17s. I wish bith coaches and their technical crew all the best because they are doing the nation proud. I wil wait for my chance and hopefully it will come soon", said the former Stationary Stores, ACB, Udoji Utd and RAngers itl midfielder.

"In the interim I will concentrate on FC United and on earning my coaching badges and experience. Already I have a UEFA B License, and my Pre-A license and now I am in the process of acquiring my A License, which is the highest license acquired academically as Pro licenses are acquired by invitation. You have to be invited to acquire it before you then go through the processes to acquire it.

"Also, I am currently the Technical adviser to the Manchester County FA under 18 representative team.I help them formulate,develop and deliver training programmes for the team. Though i am a graduate of Mechanical Engineering(Bsc Hons 1990 University of Lagos) I am a sports Lecturer at the Manchester College where i teach NVQ Diploma in Activity Leadership and the Foundation Learning Tier course in Sports."