East Bengal FC are easily one of India’s most decorated clubs, but they have failed to win the National League, or the I-League as it is called now, since 2004.
The depression related to the title drought has been further accentuated by the fact that arch rivals Mohun Bagan FC have won the same in 2014. So with AIFF’s proposed merger of the I-League and the Indian Super League set to be carried out very soon, the officials from the Bengal club are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the winner’s medal finally graces the Red and Gold brigade.
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Keeping this in mind, the club has brought in a host of new and exciting faces and will be getting rid of the deadwood very soon.
The new recruits include winger Jackichand Singh and midfielders David Lalrinmuana and Rowllin Borges. Jackichand came to the forefront after his brilliant performances in the wide areas for Royal Wahingdoh in the 2014-15 I-League season, while David made his name while plying his trade in central midfield for Aizawl FC.
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While the former is now a full-fledged Indian international, the later garnered five Man Of The Match awards last season in the I-League and has made his bow for the Men In Blue as well. Both of them will add much-needed grit and quality for an East Bengal side which looked toothless at times upfront during the Calcutta Football League this year.
Rowllin, who had his deal finalised a few days back, has been doing a good job for NorthEast United in the ISL this year. Coach Trevor James Morgan has evidently bought him to reduce the stress on veteran Mehtab Hossein in midfield, who looked a bit off the pace in the CFL.
On the other hand, the club is willing to let go of winger Do Dong Hyun. The Korean, who had become a firm fan favourite last season by scoring 12 goals in 10 CFL games including a spectacular brace against the Mariners, has been battling with injuries and poor form since then.
While the-then coach Biswajit Bhattacharya used him as a false 9, Morgan has shifted him out wide. However, he has failed to replicate his form from the league last season, leading to many experts questioning his temperament and his ability. The Australian manager has left Dong out from his 30 man squad for the I-League, and it seems that East Bengal’s board have also run out of patience and are looking to offload him as early as possible.
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