In May this year, David James went bankrupt. The former England, Liverpool and Manchester City goalkeeper, who earned around £20 million in a 25-year career, had built up debts after a costly divorce from wife Tanya in 2005. And despite a contract with Premier League broadcasters in the UK, James couldn’t prevent the banks from forcing him to accept that his finances were in a desperate position.

His situation came as a shock to the football world, for James had a reputation for being a thinking man’s footballer. On Thursday, the 44-year-old embarked on the road to redemption in an unlikely setting and in an even unlikelier role.

James formally took charge as the marquee player-cum-manager of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Thursday, calling the shots for his team during the international players’ draft that was held at a plush Mumbai hotel.

Perhaps it was not a coincidence then that James’ first choice in the draft was former Newcastle United striker Michael Chopra, who himself was facing bankruptcy a couple of years ago.

The former England custodian, however, insisted his India adventure isn’t about the money. “This wasn’t a financial decision for me. I am doing my A license (coaching course). I have aspirations to be a manager. I enjoyed my football coupled with the fact that this is another adventure for me. I want to continue to play too,” said James, who will earn close to a million dollars for a three-month assignment.

In his first outing as a manager, the goalie turned up wearing a beige blazer, blue shirt, capris, pink socks and shoes (giving credence to his nickname, Calamity James). But his conduct was every bit as a seasoned gaffer. Assisted by Australian Trevor Morgan, former East Bengal coach who is well-versed with Indian football, James’ side looks a formidable unit.

“We have got a great team. By no stretch of imagination is this an easy trip. I will consult Trevor and ask him a few questions but I, as the manager, will take the final call. Hence, with regards to our performance, the responsibility also will ultimately be on me,” James said.

Kerala spent Rs 1.98 crore on the seven international players, while the eight franchises spent a combined total of Rs 16.34 crore on the 49 footballers who featured in the draft on Thursday. The international players will be earning almost half of what their Indian counterparts are expected to pocket.

‘An important project’

For a few players, who otherwise earn in millions, the average $60,000 contract for three months may seem like pittance. But former France, Inter Milan, AS Roma and Everton midfielder Olivier Dacourt, who is a consultant with the ISL, said the players weren’t bothered about the money. “For many, money wasn’t the important thing. They chose to come here as it was an important project. The foreign players will bring many good things in India,” Dacourt said.

Dacourt’s compatriot Bernard Mendy, who has played prominently for PSG and Hull City, was the top-grosser after being picked up by the newly-formed Team Chennai. The coastal city replaced Bangalore as the eighth team in the tournament, with Inter Milan and Kshatriya Sports Management as the stakeholders. Organisers said they will announce the final ownership pattern in the coming days.

Among other notable buys, La Liga veteran Jofre Mateu was picked by Atletico de Kolkata while Chennai also bagged former Manchester United midfielder Bojan Djordjic. The 32-year-old won the young player of the year award at Old Trafford in 2000, but only made two appearances for the Premier League club. He went on to enjoy a successful career, winning league titles with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia and AIK in Sweden.

The domestic players’ draft was conducted last month where every franchise picked up to 14 Indian footballers. Together with seven foreigners and one marquee player, every team is allowed a minimum roster of 22 players.

The inaugural ISL season will kick-off on October 12. The top four sides will qualify for the semifinals, which will be played over two legs, with the winners advancing to a one-off final, which will be played on December 20.