Bagan bang 5 into East Bengal goal! Chidi alone 4!

Chidi, Chidi, Chidi, Chidi...a name that will no doubt give nightmares to any East Bengal fan for the years to come. A name that wrecked havoc to the East Bengal defense and hammered 4 goals alone in Mohun Bagan's 5-3 triumph over their arch rivals East Bengal. Manish Mathani scored the other goal for Bagan.

East Bengal went ahead through Nirmal Chettri from a corner in the 8th minute. Bagan never seemed down and out and pushed forward and soon got the equaliser. A brilliant run down the right flank by Surkumar, went past Govin Singh's challanges and played a minus to Chidi. Chidi calmly placed the ball past the East Bengal custodian.

East Bengal though tried to controll the game, it never seemed they could establish their say and soon from a lovely ball played in by Snehashih and then Barreto, Chidi missed a chance and fell to Manish, who took a screamer which deflected off Avra Mondal's chest and into the goal.East Bengal after the second goal seemed like a ship with its rudder.Soon Bagan piled on the third goal. Lovely little chip centre from Barreto and Chidi heads it into the East Bengal goal.Just moments later Bagan conceded a silly goal due to a misunderstanding between Shilton and Surkumar.East Bengal, suddenly after this goal exerted themselves and suddenly they seemed more a formidable side; and just moments before the half time interval, from a free kick Yakubu scored the qualiser. 3-3

The second half began and within 30 seconds, Bagan were up in front again.Snehashish's centre was met by a diving header at the second post by James Singh, and the header found Chidi, who slammed the ball into an open goal.

Barreto however, who was suffering from an injury aggravated it during the match and had to be taken off. Barreto left the field in tears and Ishfaq was just the man at that moment, one who would run after the ball and slam into the opposition and not let them settle down. East Bengal tried to capitalise on the situation, but the final nail in the coffin was driven when Chidi scored his fourth goal and Bagan's 5th from a curling corner from Marcos. Chidi headed in the 5th and final goal.

After that what followed was Marcos's experience and Karim's strategy, which literally closed all gates of hopes for East Bengal as Bagan went shutters down.Marcos in the second half played more of a role of a CDM and that really helped tighten up the defense.

Bagan ease past Kalighat in CFL opener!

Bagan toyed with newly promoted Kalighat's defense and created a plethora of chances and should have won 10-0 had it not been for Chidi, who single handedly squandered atleast six easiest of easy chances along with a few from Branco, Suraj, Kulo and Shubhojit. At the final whislte, the scoreline read 1-0, the only goal coming through the right wing Shubhojit Majumdar.

What can be said, the second team of Mohun Bagan started the day against Kalighat, but Bagan through out dominated the play, with the newbie Manish Mathani quite an impressive role as a CAM. Lalram Luaha was entrusted as a CDM with Santa Kumar playing as Left wing. Karan Atwal made his debut for Bagan along with the veteran Deepak as CB. Zenith and Mohunraj played as side backs.

Manish once hit the post from inside the box and Chidi cme up with some wayward heads untill Shubhojot Mujumdar, off a nice through ball from Chidi, made a run up the right flank and took an out-step shot which swung into the first post past the keeper's hand.

Nothing much happened for Kalighat as they were kept defending for almost the whole of the match and Bagan came up with chances only to be foiled by Chidi. With the big Derby match coming just 3 days later it was shattering to see the only striker in absence of Barreto to be such off colour. Karim has but to pray for Chidi's stars to shine on the 25th. Chidi, however, managed to pick up a yellow card after a tussle with an African defender of Kalighat. It seems the opposition has spotted Chidi's weakness, his "hot head". He really needs to put some ice bag on his head and put his scoring boots on if he is to bring smiles on the faces of the Bagan fans.

:Somehow Chidi managed to kick this ball over the bar post, instead of just placing it into an empty goal.

15 day trial for Palestinian international

Today in a press release, Three times I-League (National football League of India) winner Mohun Bagan A.C announced that Yousef Saeed Mezyan of Palestine will arrive Kolkata tomorrow for a 15 days trial. He is a player of Asian Quota. Yousef, the 31 year old Central Defender was a player of Palestine National team since 2000 and played 17 international match for his country.On Club level he played for Al - Ansar (Lebanon),Al - Mabarra (Lebanon), Al-Hekma (Lebanon), Al - Wehdat (Lebanon). Personal Details of Yousef Saeed Full name : Yousef Saeed Mezyan Place & of Birth : Beirut 1978 Nationality : Palestinian. Original Nationality Algerian Position : Central Defender Address : Lebanon Height : 190 cm Weight : 84kg Source: Kolkatafoootball.com

Jayasuriya sign for Bagan along with Vaas!

CRICKET:Chaminda Vaas, the world renowned Sri Lankan Pacer had already signed for Bagan last season and now Sanath Jayasuriya, one of the most destructive batsmens ever, has signed for Mohun Bagan's cricket team(according to local electronic media reports). Though initially Sanath had a talk with Bagan rivals East Bengal, but in the end, Bagan nudged East Bengal out of the scene and made a deal with Sanath! Vaas and Jayasuriya will now play for Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata, whenever they are free from their international duties.

Chidi scores twice as Bagan make Durand Final!

Durand Cup:Bagan today scored twice through Edeh Chidi make it to the final of the Durand Cup where they will meet Churchill Brothers.

Bagan went ahead in the 19th minute. Mahindra equalised through Mohd. Rafi in the 70th minute and then Bagan got the winner from Edeh Chidi in the 76th minute.

Barreto suffering from an injury was not confirmed for the match, but he did comeout to win it for Bagan and played entire 90 minutes before being replaced by Kulothungan in the 91st minute.

Bagan went ahead in the 18th minute when James delivered a ball from the right on the second post, which Barreto headed to Chidi at the first post and he slotted it in. After the goal Mahindra stepped up their efforts, but the Bagan defense was upto the task.

However the midfield lacked not only creativity, it also was lacking in the blocking department. Micky failed to find a partner in Shubho Kumar, who was made to spend the entire 90 mins on the field but was not seen either tackling a ball or even attempting to block one, not to mention his centres were not on the money either. Surprising however, Koluthungan with his high work rate was made to sit out for the match. James and Snehashish were impressive down the flank and also chipped in with their defensive qualities. During the later half of the match, Barreto was seen defending in his own half leaving Chidi alone upfront.

Sangram was over all impressive under the bar pulling off a few spectacular saves, but he seemed clueless about when to advance. On two occasions he was found stranded on the top of the six yard box with ball watching above his head. On one such occasion he let in a header, from Mohd. Rafi, which, had Sangram been on the line, would not have gone in.

Barely six minutes had passed when James took a world class free kick to stun the Mahindra Keeper. His right footer, instead of swinging in for the advancing heads, swerved out and the advancing keeper had to jump back to save it for a corner. From the corner, Chidi drove in a powerful header, even though he was highly marked.

Bagan will meet Churchill Brothers on the 22nd of September and the word is out that Bagan with their full team will be out to take sweet sweet revenge of their IFA Shield defeat.

Bagan book a berth in the Semis! Barreto scores a Brace!

Durand Cup: Jose Ramirez Barreto stayed on the pitch for just 20 minutes. It was enough to ensure Mohun Bagan’s passage to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium on Friday.
Playing his second match of the season, the Brazilian came up with two magical strikes in the first 15 minutes as Mohun Bagan defeated JCT, Phagwara, 2-0 to top Group II with six points and set up a semi-final clash with holders Mahindra United on Sunday.
In the first semi-final, Goa giants Churchill Brothers and Dempo Sports Club will meet each other.
It was a typical veni vidi vici performance by Barreto. Once his scoring job was over, the Brazilian was quickly taken off by the Mohun Bagan coach. He was replaced by Branco Cardozo.
As Barreto walked off the pitch, the crowd broke into a spontaneous applause. He is the only member of the Bagan squad that won the Durand Cup in 2001, Bagan’s last Durand Cup title so far.
The match was won and lost in the first 15 minutes. Barreto opened scoring in the fourth minute when he came from behind to trap the ball inside the box and beat the goalkeeper.
The second goal was even more spectacular. Latching on to a header by Chidi that fooled the defence, the Brazilian rushed in, beat the marker and then sent the ball in with a clever shot.
The decision to replace Barreto is debatable. Once he went off, JCT took charge of the match. They attacked relentlessly and were unlucky not to find the target. Bagan have themselves to blame for inviting pressure, despite taking a 2-0 lead so early in the match.
The Calcutta team got a golden chance to increase the lead when their Nigerian striker Edeh Chidi was brought down inside the box by Sarabjeet Singh. James Singh’s spot-kick hit the post before it was parried away by JCT goalkeeper Karanjit Singh.
Despite JCT’s apparent domination in the midfield, Chidi should have scored twice in the second half. On the second occasion, seasoned Daljit Singh made a goalline save.
At the other end, Sangram Mukherjee was impeccable under the bar. His best came in the first half when he leaped high to save a Baldeep Singh header that looked certain to go in.
Teams
Mohun Bagan: Sangram Mukherjee; Surkumar Singh, Deepak Mondal, Rakesh Masih and Mohanraj; James Singh, Micky Fernandes, Kulothungan (Subhakumar, 69) and Snehasis Chakrabarty (Shantakumar, 72); Edeh Chidi and Jose Barreto (Branco Cardozo, 20).
JCT: Karanjit Singh; Daljit Singh, Sarabjeet Singh, Gurwinder Singh and Jaspal Singh; Baldeep Singh, Penn Orji, Jagpreet Singh (Baljit Sr., 78) and Sakatar Singh (Lalchhuanmawia, 74); Balwant Singh and Baljit Sahni (Balraj Singh, 71). Referee: PK Bose.

Earlier in the day, East Bengal went down 2-0 to Mahindra United, who will meet Mohun Bagan in the Semis.

Bagan begin with a bang!

On a day when their arch rivals East Bengal got kicked out of the Durand Cup being beaten in thier first match against Lajong FC, Mohun Bagan began their campaign in the Cup without any hiccup when they outclassed ONGC 5-1 in a Group II quarter-final league at the Ambedkar Stadium on Wednesday. The victory has put Mohun Bagan in an advantageous position in the three-team group as they now need a draw against JCT in the last league match to advance to the semi-finals. JCT had won 1-0 against ONGC. Pitted against a team that looked absolutely clueless both in the defence and midfield, the 16-time champions camped themselves in the rival half from the very beginning. The Calcutta team, who were up by two goals by the 15th minute, scored through Surkumar Singh (2), Edeh Chidi (2) and Jose Ramirez Barreto. In between the second and the third goal, Mohun Bagan also missed a penalty when Barreto was brought down inside the box by defender A. Naresh. Barreto himself took the spot kick that was saved by a diving ONGC goalkeeper Bilifang Narzary. The Mumbai team custodian, however, wasn’t in his elements when Surkumar Singh struck the first goal in the eighth minute. The Mohun Bagan right back swung a speculative shot towards the rival goal but Narzary, to the utter shock and dismay of his teammates, fumbled to collect and the ball bounced and hit the post before crossing the line. Surkumar Singh had a field day as he picked up his second goal well into the add-on time with a booming 30-yard shot. Encouraged by the success, Mohun Bagan increased the pressure. While their midfielders won almost every ball in the middle, both Edeh Chidi and Barreto looked dangerous whenever they had the ball. In the 18th minute, Chidi picked up the second goal off a melee inside the box. The Nigerian then played a role behind Barreto getting his first goal of the season. Chidi was again on the target in the 78th minute while Babatunde pulled one back for ONGC three minutes later. Teams Mohun Bagan: Sangram Mukherjee; Surkumar Singh, Deepak Mondal, Rakesh Masih and Mohanraj; James Singh (Subhojit Majumdar, 72nd), Micky Fernandes, K Kulothungan (Subha Kumar, 82nd) and Snehasish Chakraborty (Santakumar, 64th); Edeh Chidi and Jose Ramirez Barreto. ONGC: Billifang Narzary; KV Kalu, Kamal Thapa, Chukwuma Udofia and CS Saleel; L Lalmaunpuia, Sandip Sanga, J Lalsangzuala (C Kenistan, 71st) and A Naresh; Kaushik Bose and Babatunde. Report: The Telegraph

10 men Bagan assure 40th Shield final appearance!

The margin Wednesday was marginal. But that didn’t stop Mohun Bagan from making their 27th IFA Shield final, edging past Chirag United 5-4 on penalties, after 120 minutes of football failed to break the 0-0 deadlock.
Indeed, for Bagan, the semi-final at the Salt Lake stadium began on a wrong note. In the absence of Jose Ramirez Barreto, much of the green and maroon brigade’s hopes were tied to Nigerian Edeh Chidi. But an ugly incident in the 10th minute upset all calculations.
Chidi and Chirag defender Eduardo were involved in a tussle for an aerial ball and that resulted in an altercation. In the heat of the moment, Chidi headbutted Eduardo, causing a minor cut on his nose. and referee .P. Thakur promptly issued marching orders to the Nigerian. Eduardo, who had started the argument, was let off with a yellow card.
The incident led coach Karim Bencharifa to alter his strategy and Bagan switched to defensive mode, employing a 4-4-1 formation, that saw the midfielders falling back time and again to bolster the back four.
Bagan, already at a loss in the absence of a striker, discovered that their attacking options virtually closed. With Kulothungan as the lone man upfront, Bencharifa’s team seldom ventured into rival territory.
Chirag, who enjoyed more ball possession, were hamstrung by the same drawback — a lack of good strikers. Brazilian Joshimar was too slow while Parveen Kumar appeared a rudderless. In the 30th minute, Joshimar failed reach a potentially dangerous cross inside the Bagan box and, then, in the 47th minute, Parveen wasted a Gouranga Biswas cross with only Shilton to beat.
Chirag created more openings in the second half but their finishing let them down. Parminder Singh’s long range effort was the best of the lot. Shilton did well to get his fingers to the ball before it hit the horizontal on its way out.
One wondered whether Chirag coach Subrata Bhattacharya could have deployed more men in the attacking zone, more so when 10-man Bagan were more interested in protecting their citadel and with Shilton in a rebelios mood seemed more than unbeatable. In the end it was Bencharifa’s gamble, of replacing an impressive Shilton with Sangram Mukherjee, in the last minute of extra time, that paid off as the latter blocked the decisive first penalty shot, taken by Jayanta Sen.
Marcos, Rakesh Masih, Snehasish Chakraborty, Surkumar Singh and James Singh converted to see Bagan through. Lalawmpuiya, Eduardo, Lalkamal Bhowmick and Subhasish Roychowdhury were on target for Chirag.
TEAMS: Mohun Bagan: Shilton Paul (Sangram Mukherjee 120’), Surkumar Singh, Deepak Mondal, Rakesh Masih, N. Mohanraj (Biswajit Saha 99’), L. James Singh, Micky Fernandes, Marcos Pereira, K. Kulothungan (Santa Kumar 78’), Snehasish Chakraborty, Edeh Chidi Chirag United: Sandip Nandy, Safar Sardar, Dulal Biswas (Subhasish Roychowdhury 60’), Eduardo, Manas Das, Gouranga Biswas, Jayanta Sen, Lalkamal Bhowmick, Praveen Kumar (Lalawmpuiya 91’), Parminder Singh (Bangkok 75’), Joshimar Report: The Telegraph

Bagan into the Semis!

Mohun Bagan going into the match against Mahindra Utd for the Semi finalist decider only had to draw the match having a better goal difference. That's exactly what happened as an exciting game ended in a one all draw.

Bagan went ahead through Snehashish in the first half. From a lovely curving Jame's centre from the right Snehashish flew in from the left and headed in. Mahindra tried to drive issue after conceding the goal but Bagan defence held them off pretty well in the half.

The second half saw the introduction of Steven Dias for Mahindra and withing five minutes, Mahindra equalised through Mijin.

Mahindra knowing that nothing short of a win will see them through committed more men upfront and pressurised the Bagan defense. Somehow it seems that Bagan defense is lacking the strong binding of the defensive four. May be time bind them together but certainly defense will be a worry for Karim going into the semis.

Shilton Pal, the young keeper who had come in place of the Bagan skipper Sangram today, though could have done a bit more in saving the goal which Mijin scored, was otherwise flawless through out the match and saved almost two point blank range strikes from the Mumbai jeep men.

Chidi Edeh was mostly ineffective today courtesy some tight marking from Kali Alauddin, and more so the slushy ground condition also made life difficult for him.

However, play was stopped for a span of 10 mins during the end when MU custodian Shubhashish Roychoydhury was hit by a missile coming off from some dissatisfied spectators.

However play resumed and Bagan defense spear headed by today's captain Dipak Mondal saved the day.

Bagan meet Chirag on the 9th of September.

Bagan kick off in a rollicking style! Trounce George 4-0!

Where City giant, East Bengal started off their 2009 season with a nightmare 3-1 defeat to TFA yesterday in the IFA Shield group stage match and thus knocking themselves out(mathematically) of the competition in the very first match, their City rival Mohun Bagan AC got off to a dream start, pumping four goals against George Telegraph in their season opener match in the IFA Shield Group stage match. Next they meet Mahindra Utd. A mere draw will see them through to the Semi Final against either TFA or Chirag.

Today Bagan debutant Edeh Chidi opened the account for Bagan, and just like Adebayor scored for Manchester City in his very first match for the club in the begging moments of the match, Chidi scored his first goal in the 3rd minute, from a cross from the right.

However, he could have doubled the lead half way into first half from the penalty spot but all he could manage was a shot that sailed high over the cross bar.

However, 38 minutes on the clock, James Singh scored from a header from almost the top of the penalty box.

Barely a minute later, Chidi found himself free and after a solo run, placed calmly past the GT custodian to take the score to 3-0 for Bagan. At half time, score was 3-0 for Bagan.

In the second half, George players did manage to put together something and throw something at Bagan and they managed to the hit the bar twice. Mohunraj in the second half was impressive. Surkumar, Koluthungan, Micky were all impressive considering this was the first match and also the ground condition was a slight slushy owing to the heavy rainfall from last night till today morning.

87th minute on the clock and the substitute Suvo Kumar, from about 35 yards away took a blinder with his left foot, it sailed into the goal much to the joy of an already satisfied house.

Bagan scoop Surkumar Singh!

Mohun Bagan, much to the surprise of all scooped the prolific Indian Right-wing Back Surkumar Singh. Surkumar today visited the Mohun Bagan club along with Rakesh Masih and Dipak Mondal and after some negotiation, signed for Bagan. He was presented his jersey today at the Club Press Meeting.

Last Season, Habibur Rahman Mondal almost single handed took care of the Right back position in all the competitions Bagan participated, Calcutta League, I League, Federation Cup and the AFC Cup. This year, Surkumar will give him some respite.

After an impressive show in the Nehru Cup, Surkumar would be rearing to give his best for the National Club. We wish all the very Best to Surkumar Singh.

Snehashish begin practice under Karim's watchful eyes!

After the drama that unfolded following Snehashish's intention to play for Bagan this season, the IFA has given green signal to him and now he being a free player can sign for Bagan. Snehashish who at first claimed that he is a free player and he has no standing contract with East Bengal was rebuked by the East Bengal officials and they furnished a document that showed Snehashish's contract. On being challenged it came out that there was no flow of consideration in that contract making it void. Moreover, Snehashish accused the E.B officials of forging his signature. The matter was put forward to the IFA player status committee, who after much ado came up with the solution that since E.B has confessed that they have not paid any sum to the lanky left half, there is no contract and Snehashish is indeed a free player, but imposed a hefty Rs 2 lac fine on the footballer for bringing false charges of forging signature against a club. East Bengal has been found guilty of forging signature in the past, however, this time they were acquitted by the IFA but Snehashish along with Bagan officials are not buying any of it. Snehashish has stated that he will appeal against the decision. However, Snehashish, today came down to the Bagan ground to catch up on the lessens he had missed so far. Karim has asked him to focus on his physical fitness for now because "he has a lot of catching up to do in that department". He has missed the initial few vital endurance practice sessions. Snehashish was seen takings laps round the ground while others practiced with the ball.He will be signing in favour of Mohun Bagan very soon and will most probably be seen sporting a no. 25 jersey. Meanwhile, nothing has yet been decide on former Bagan man , Tomba Singh. Till now he has been working hard to bring back his fitness and Karim is yet to take a decision on this matter.

After Snehashish, Nabi accuses East Bengal of forging his signature!

Snehashish had already accused East Bengal of forging his signature and forcing him to stay with East Bengal, when he has expressed his unwillingness to stay at East Bengal anymore and his will to play for Mohun Bagan. And now following in his footsteps, his former East Bengal team mate Rahim Nabi has accused East Bengal of counterfeiting his signature.

Nabi, who is in Spain with the India international squad, informed the reporters in Kolkata that to his knowledge, he had a one year contract with East Bengal, which was bound to expire with the 2008-09 season. East Bengal now claims to have a three year contract with Nabi and also claims that he has been given the captain's post for the coming season. Nabi, who is least concerned about his captain's band, says that he had neither signed a three year contract nor have the officials made him sign any new contract this year and asks on what basis East Bengal coach Subhash Bhowmick has named him in his squad and pointed out that beside his name, there is no captain tag.

Shedding light on his thought, he clearly speaks out that he has an attractive offer from Mohun Bagan and asks why should he be forced to play for a lesser payroll for East Bengal?

Moreover, he says that "Shubhash Bhowmick has clearly claimed that he does not want any unwilling horses in his side, then why not leave me?"

Further he said, that even though East Bengal had a contract with Jayanta Sen, they let him go, so where is the problem?

He further said that if necessary he will refer the matter to the IFA and AIFF or may be directly to AIFF following in Bhaichung's footsteps.

Karim earns AFC "A" Licence

Karim had been to Singapore to earn the AFC 'A' licence for coaching. Karim, however, did have a "A" licence which he had acquired from his home country Morocco. But unfortunately, AFC or UEFA didnot recognize it. Therefore, Karim after the end of the season had gone to Singapore and has earned the AFC "A" licence for coaching.

Meanwhile, the AFC Governing body has declared that to constitute a professional team, the Indian clubs will have to have a coach with "A" licence. Except for Mohun Bagan's Karim, other big clubs of Kolkata doesnot have a "A" licence coaches.

Bagan sign 11 players today!

Mohun Bagan had started off their player signing episode just two days ago with James Singh sr. staying one more year at Mohun Bagan. Today, 11 players were signed by Mohun Bagan for the coming season. The names of the players signed so far are as follows:-

1. James singh sr. (signed earlier)

2. Sangram Mukherjee

3. Shilton Pal

4. Chiradeep

5. Pralay Dutta

6. Sakhram Mandi

7. Biswajit Saha

8. Subhokumar

9. Subhajit majumdar (u-19 from TFA)

10. Kartick Kisku

11. Suraj Mandal

12. Seikh Azim

Mohun Bagan suspend Bhaichung Bhutia!

Mohun Bagan have suspended Bhaichung Bhutia for a period of six months for neglecting the club duties but this is not it, as the player can take the matter to the Players’ Status Committee of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) by routing his request through the Indian Football Association, which is the state football association of West Bengal. The decision was taken by the Mohun Bagan Executive Committee which met on Monday and unanimously came out with the above decision. The Mariners had earlier show caused Bhaichung questioning his commitment and distributed copies of the same amongst the scribes. The club had asked the Indian skipper to reply within 48 hours, which he failed to do and in the eventual letter which came from Bhaichung, Mohun Bagan weren’t satisfied with the contents. “We are not at all satisfied with Bhaichung’s reply. It has nothing to do with what we’d asked him in the show-cause notice,” said Bagan vice-president Subrata Mukherjee. According to the club, Bhaichung hadn’t sought permission from his employers as to whether he would like to join the dance reality show. Interestingly, on several occasions, Bagan officials and Coach Karim Bencherifa have gone on record showing their support for Bhaichung’s commitment to the reality show. But whether Bhaichung has a written letter of having being granted the permission isn’t known. Meanwhile, the club vice-president stated that Bhaichung wouldn’t be barred from appearing for the national team during the six month suspension. Opinion regarding this decision of Mohun Bagan has been divided. While, some believe that Bagan are right and have played their cards right in suspending Bhaichung, others feel that the Sikkimese Sniper could get away with it. It is believed that Mohun Bagan have the right to suspend their player for breach of disciplinary rules and defying the club’s standards. Like in every contract, there are certain clauses which states that the club could suspend if the player does XYZ and it seems that Bagan have gone by the rule book. However, a player cannot be barred from playing until he is found guilty of a drug-related or a criminal offence. Bhaichung would have to convince the Players’ Status Committee regarding this and prove that he had, indeed, sought the permission of Bagan before joining the reality show. While Bhaichung had been given the permission, it was done so under various agreed terms such as not missing the training sessions; which wasn’t fulfilled by the Bagan skipper. Bhaichung Bhutia is in the north-eastern region of India and wasn’t available for comments. Report: Goal.com

Edeh Chidi to dawn the Green and Maroon for 09-10 season!

Mohun Bagan today unveiled their third foreigner. After much speculations about who would be the third foreigner, today holding a press conference, declared Edeh Chidi will be the strike partner for Barreto this season. With Bhaichung uncertain, Bagan needed a player upfront who can replace Bhaichung and Edeh Chidi might just be the one. He is young and is a poacher and will certainly enjoy Barreto's company. For the 2008-09 season, Edeh Chiddi, the Nigerian sensation, scored 11 goals in I-League and 4 goals in Federation Cup for his prevoius club, Mahindra United. 22 year old Chidi confessed the name Mohun Bagan attracted his a lot. " It’s the most prestigious football club of India and I wanted to play in front of the huge numbers of fans of the club. I am really overwhelmed after joining the club and really want to win something for the club in this season. I would consider myself lucky if I will be able to be a part of the success of the club in this season." to quote Chidi. About Barreto, Chidi commented, "Barreto is a good guy and also a good player. I am looking forward to start the attack with him in green and maroon jersey." Now what remains to be seen is which two foreigners feature in the Kolkata League. Marcos might miss the CFL campaign for Bagan considering the fact that Bagan has a packed Midfield this season.

Yakubu, Nabi probables!

After what seems Mohun Bagan may lose Bhaichung after the show-cause row, Bagan officials have reported to have targetted Yusuf Yakubu of East Bengal FC. Bhaichung, after his commitment towards Mohun Bagan was aksed has gone public to state that he doesnot wish to continue playing for Mohun Bagan and has demanded release from the club. It is reported that East Bengal, who has had a lean transfer season will jump with all hands on deck for Bhaichung. Beto has already turned down East Bengal so now they will target Bhaichung if he is released from Mohun Bagan. Bagan officials however, are looking out for a possible replacement for Bhaichung and it is known that the present body of officials trust on tried and tested players rather than bringing a fresh face. It is reported that Yusuf Yakubu has been approached, since Yakubu had a good outing last season and also the fact Barreto and Yakubu has played with each other in Mahindra a few seasons back. Yakubu has still not signed a contract with East Bengal this season and it is known that Yakubu has been offered by Bagan with a 10% hike from his present fees in East Benagl. Yakubu ahs not decided yet and he has asked officials of both the clubs to give him time to think. If however, Yakubu does sign for Bagan, and Bhutia for East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal will not have to pay each other a sum of 10 lakhs transfer fee since that rule is not applicable for foreign players and Baichung Bhutia.

It is further reported that Bagan officials have also offered Rahim Nabi. Nabi has been offered 27 lakhs from East Bengal and the captaincy for this year. Nabi has been persistent that wants a contract worth 30 lacs.

Manju signs for Bagan!

N.S. Manju today signed for Bagan to stay yet another season at Mohun Bagan. Manju had a more or less good seasonat Mohun Bagan, scoring some important goals and performing his defensive responsibilities to best of his ability.

Manju, after the season had ended, was not initially willing to stay at Bagan as he wanted to leave so as to play along with Venkatesh. However, club officials have done their part and retained them for another season. Last year too, Manju had insisted on leaving Bagan. The atmosphere at Bagan and the contract however has made sure that Manju would stay yet another season at Bagan and take care of the Bagan defense along with Deepak Mondal.

Alas it is ALAHS! A Must Read for all Soccer Fans!

If your hangdog husband cries “Alas” every time his football team loses, know that he is suffering from ‘Alahs’...
Wives and girlfriends of fanatical football fans are probably inured to their partners turning into characters from a Bret Easton Ellis novel whenever their team loses. But supporters of the Gunners may have displayed symptoms of what is being dubbed “Arsenal Lost At Home Syndrome” (ALAHS) after the team were soundly beaten 3-1 last Wednesday night by Manchester United.
Despite the name, the syndrome can affect supporters of any losing team. Tell-tale signs include depression, frenzied sobbing, head-butting the wall, throwing heavy objects through the window (especially the television set during a live match), impotence, and — potentially — premature death. In 2003, a study revealed that after a home defeat, male fatalities from heart attacks and strokes increase by 30 per cent.
“Having your football team lose is an extreme stressor,” explains Dr Daniel Freeman, a consultant clinical psychologist. “Hence, for example, the 25 per cent increase in hospital admissions for heart attacks which was recorded following England’s loss to Argentina in the World Cup penalty shoot-out in 1998.”
Company director Andy Lucey, 36, a fanatical Arsenal supporter for 20 years, has it luckier than many. These days, when his side loses, he merely goes into an unresponsive, catatonic state for two days. “I retreat into my own world if they lose, in a major sulk. I can’t explain how much it hurts. It’s just utter, utter numbness and desolation. You must not attempt to communicate with me or even look at me when this happens. I even unplug the phone so as to guarantee I’m incommunicado.”
His live-in girlfriend, Claire, has learnt to adopt certain coping strategies. “On match days, I become really uptight. It’s too stressful to sit with Andy if Arsenal are on television, so I go upstairs and, from there, listen to him screaming uncontrollably at the set. I pray, ‘Please God, let them win!’.
“If he’s away watching a match, I have to find out the score to gauge how to react when he returns. If Arsenal have lost, he’s really, really bad. You see it in his incredibly tense body language as soon as he opens the door. When this happens, the rules are: don’t make eye contact; don’t speak to him unless spoken to; don’t even try to calm him. Just stay well away.”
According to Rita Wright, a psychodynamic counsellor who regularly treats supporters of the disorder: “The psyche of today’s males has changed dramatically. With modern gender roles confused — men aren’t now automatically the breadwinners and can often be subordinate to high-achieving women — many feel pretty lost, with a fragile sense of self. What little they do have is often redirected onto their football team. In effect, they are Arsenal. Therefore, when Arsenal fails, they feel that they themselves have failed.”
But why should such extreme reactions be unique to football fans? Why, for example, weren’t living rooms around the country full of sullen Roger Federer fans after his defeat in last year’s Wimbledon final?
According to psychiatrist Cosmo Hallstrom, it’s because football is a uniquely primitive, tribal spectator sport. “Loyalty to a club usually starts young when, as a child, you get induced into the ‘tribe’ by receiving your first football shirt; opposing teams are effectively your tribal enemies. The supporters’ zeal can become religious in fervour. As a young doctor in Liverpool, I remember a badly injured young man being admitted. In extremis, he asked to see Bill Shankly instead of a priest.”
Medical professionals are divided over treatment. Some suggest cognitive behaviour therapy to influence those otherwise uncontrollable emotions, others prescribe match-day sex as a quick-fix solution, as this helps boost mood-enhancing oxytocin levels. However, it might prove tricky, as a medical survey suggested that a man’s testosterone levels plunges by 27 per cent immediately after his team’s defeat.
So for those who do take their team’s defeats to heart, the most obvious solution appears to be: why not support a more successful side instead? But to suggest to a football fan that he change his allegiance may well send his blood pressure through the roof.
“In truth, all you can really do is give him a wide berth,” says psychiatrist Dr Shamila Moodley, “and be grateful that the season is nearly over.”
MICHAEL HEWETT: THE DAILY TELEGRAPH