Hasan Roshan

Football player infobox
playername = Hassan Rowshan


fullname = Hassan Rowshan
nickname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1955|10|24|df=yes
cityofbirth = Tehran
countryofbirth = Iran
currentclub =
position = Striker
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1969-1978 1978-1984
clubs = Taj
Al Ahli
caps(goals) = -
-
nationalyears = 1974-1980
nationalteam = fb|Iran
nationalcaps(goals) = 39 (13)
pcupdate =
ntupdate = 2006

Hasan Rōshan (PerB|حسن روشن, born 24 October 1955 in Tehran) is an Iranian football coach, manager, and former player. He usually played as a striker.

Playing career

Early life

Hassan was only 13 when he first joined Taj youth team. He initially faced many problems and the most critical was the logistics. His house was quite far from the Taj training ground in Nazi Abad. However, he was determined to succeed. His passion, willingness to compete at the highest level, his hunger for victory and not to mention his extreme love for football at an early age, made him forget all the problems he was facing at the time.

The logistics were taken care of by his father, who used to accompany him as a friend, to the Taj football and training grounds. His father would either wait for Hassan to finish training, carefully watching his moves or given half a chance would joined in a senior matches when the eldest fancied a game of football. During their long trip back home, Hassan's father would always talk football to him, never tiring from the subject and always willing to advise and offer tips on how to improve his game and skills.

Rowshan's first success came at the schools football championship. While in the sixth grade at Pasargad Shemiran school, he was a member of the school football team. He experienced the sweet taste of championship at that early age, and thought of future championship and grand occasions. Although the championship was sweet at school level, Rowshan did not seriously consider playing this level of football anything other than a pastime and filling the gap.

His first taste of real football came when a visiting Brazilian youth team was in town for a friendly match. 20 thousand spectators were at Amjadieh Stadium eager to observe and enjoy some Brazilian magic. Somehow the trainer decided to give young Rowshan an opportunity to play the last 20 minutes. This was by all means a very difficult experience for a youngster who never played in front of more than a dozen people. His fear of the crowd and the immense pressure he felt, could not be overcome and the team lost the match 2-1.

"Complete player"

Like many Iranians of his generation, Hassan was born in a family of football fans. His father would buy him his own plastic ball, so that he would not bother them while playing football. Hassan played in the neighborhood, and during one of the matches with SaadAbad team, he was approached by none other than Homayoun Behzadi, the famous national team forward of that time, who whispered to him "You are a complete player".Fact|date=November 2007

Later on, Behzadi recruited Rowshan for "Sharq" a team playing in the third division of Tehran league. His contribution to this team was not too successful and the team failed to gain promotion to the second division and subsequently it was disbanded. Since little Rowshan tasted competitive football, he was determined to join a club in the league rather than going back to street football. In 1969 Rowshan joined Taj club (known today as Esteghlal Tehran), one of the two big clubs of Iran.

Success

Rowshan was quickly becoming a household name in Iran. With his club, Taj Tehran, he won many championship and trophies. However, the highlight of his career was the Asian Cup victory with Iran and the qualification for the World Cup finals in Argentina 1978. During the Asian qualification games, Rowshan excelled. His goals and assists was a major contribution to the success of the team and eventual qualification. This success did not come easy, as his constant runs and skills in maneuvering and dribbling made him a target for some rough tackles.

His injury after the qualification games was a major problem for coach Heshmat Mohajerani. When Iran played its first game, Rowshan was doubtful. However, he eventually played a full game and scored the only goal for Iran in a 4-1 loss to Peru. After the World Cup 1978, many critics in Iran indicated that if Iran had a fully fit Rowshan, the results would have been far much better than what was achieved. Although Hasan Rowshan had limited playing time in Argentina, the scouts from several countries discovered his potential and send representations to his club in order to recruit him. Rowshan settled for UAE and in particular Al-Ahli club of Dubai. Jointly with his national team mate, Hassan Nazari, they won several championship for Al Ahli and with his magical touches and splendid goals, he set the stadiums alight. Huge number of spectators and in particular the Iranian expatriates, flocked week in week out to witness the magic of Rowshan.

Legacy

Although largely now neglected in post revolutionary Iran, he will never be forgotten to the large number of people with fond memories of his games and plays. He will always be Iran's "complete player".

Coaching career

Rowshan is the only Asian who is a certified coach by The FA England.Fact|date=November 2007 He also holds many world class coaching degrees.Fact|date=November 2007 He was appointed as the Technical Manager for Iran national under-20 football team in 2005, however he resigned later.

First Football School In Middle East

When he returned to Iran in the 90's, he formed a top quality football school for kids which was a huge success. Hassan Rowshan Football School was the first academic football school in Middle East.Fact|date=November 2007

Return to Esteghlal as Head of Football Academy

Hassan Rowshan became the head of Esteghlal's Football Academy on 6th August, 2007.