James will replace former Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen at the club who parted ways with the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned club following a disappointing run of results. James becomes the fourth England-born head coach in the league after Jamshedpur’s Steve Coppell, ATK’s Teddy Sheringham and Chennaiyin’s John Gregory. 

Kerala Blasters have clinched seven points from as many games and are placed eighth on the points table. Thangboi Singto is currently in charge of the side as an interim manager for the team’s clash with FC Pune City which is scheduled for January 4.