It has been a tough several weeks for Real Kashmir FC Scottish coach David Robertson and his family who have been stuck in Srinagar amid the lockdown in J&K and Country due global pandemic of Coronavirus.
When the lock down came into place Robertson along with his son Mason Robertson and wife were busy with I League season for Real Kashmir. However with lockdown the trio alongwith other foreign recruits of club got stuck in Srinagar. Since then they have been living in a Srinagar hotel owned by Real Kashmir co-owner Sandeep Chattoo.
Now if reports are to be believed Robertson could be heading for home in next couple of days.
“We have learnt that British embassy have called them and asked them to be ready. They may be finally leaving for home in next two to three days, ” Real Kashmir insider said.
The club’s co-owner Sandeep Chattoo also confirmed the development to PTI on Thursday that the British High Commission in New Delhi has told Robertson to wait for three days as efforts are being made to secure a transit permit to Amritsar for them. The national lockdown is set to end on May 3.
“The British High Commission called up yesterday and told David and his family to be on standby. It said it will get back to them after three days on whether a transit permit to go to Amritsar can be arranged,” Chattoo was quoted by PTI.
“There are chartered flights operating from Amritsar to UK. If they get a transit permit, they will go back home. But it is still not 100 per cent certain, we are hoping they get the permit as soon as possible so that they can go back home,” he added.
Asked how long Robertson will have to wait, Chattoo said, “I am hoping they will be home in one or two weeks.” With his mother undergoing chemotherapy in Aberdeen, Robertson and his family have been anxious. Giving them company at the Srinagar hotel are the club’s other foreign players — skipper Loveday Enyinnaya, Kallum Higginbotham, Aaron Katebe, Bazie Armand, Gnohere Krizo and two members of Robertson’s support staff.
Real Kashmir finished fourth this season (22 points from 15 matches). With five matches left to play, the All India Football Federation decided to wind up the I-League early due to the COVID-19 pandemic.