Peter Taylor is back in football after taking over as head coach of Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters.

Gillingham’s former two-time manager will take over at the Blasters for the new ISL season, replacing departed former player-manager David James.

Taylor, 62, was sacked by the Gills at the end of 2014 after a disagreement with chairman Paul Scally. The club were hovering just above the drop-zone at the time.

He was eventually replaced by Justin Edinburgh and the Gills finished the season comfortably in mid-table.

Taylor, who guided the Gills to the Championship during his first spell in charge, is not shy of taking on a challenge, having previously managed the Bahrain national side.

A long management career at club level in England, including a spell in the Premier League with Leicester, also included successful stints at national level, for the under-21s.

He takes on a side, formed by former Indian cricket captain Sachin Tendulkar, who finished runners-up of the first season of the ISL in 2014 under James.

They lost in the ISL final to Atlético de Kolkata.

“ISL inaugural season was a huge success and I’m sure it will get better and better,” said Taylor, talking to the Indian media after his weekend appointment.

“The league has laid strong foundation in its first season to nurture Indian football.

“I’m personally impressed with the support that Kerala Blasters have received in the inaugural edition.

“Kerala has a strong legacy in Indian football and I am looking forward to working with the team and share the passion for football with the fans.”