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| Bengaluru FC win the Airtel i-League crown in their very first season |
Albeit having the resources to cash in on the marquee signings, the affluent outfit chose to funnel their money judiciously.
“We could have gone for the Moon. But that was never going to be the way we wanted to about it. However, we are on the Moon at the moment,” Club consultant Mandar Tamhane told www.the-aiff.com.
“Breaking the Bank balance is not a success formula. We wanted to strike a balance between Player’s salary and spending wisely on the other important things which are as important as buying Players,” he adds.
“When we entered the fray there were not many marquee Players we could choose from. The other Clubs had already done their shopping and we were left with very few choices. At the end of the day, I am happy that we did not go for the big names.”
“We brought John Johnson and Curtis Osano to lend experience at the back and it worked wonders. We got the Indian Captain upfront and kept faith on youngsters and Players who reinvented themselves at BFC. The likes of Keegan (Pereira), Thoi (Singh) who have been in the fringes for a long time not getting a chance to play because better players were there, have found a place in BFC and are doing so well,” he goes on.
“Look at Sunil (Chhetri). He is the enjoying himself on the left flank. I would say, he has reinvented himself .”
Of the goals scored by BFC, 20 have come from the boots of Chhetri (14) and India International Robin Singh (6).
Thoi Singh (4) shares the second largest chunk in goals netted along with Australian striker Sean Rooney (9). What’s significant is that all these names prior to the start of the season sans Chhetri who had just won the I-League with Churchill Brothers, were not in the most wanted list of I-League playing Clubs.
“Ever since joining the Club, I can feel the improvement after every training session. Everything that I need is at this Club,” Thoi was quoted saying on Bengaluru FC’s Official Website.
“Most importantly, I have regained my lost confidence. My Teammates have been fantastic and the Seniors have always been by my side giving me handy tips,” he maintained.
“I have always played on the right wing and never ever thought the middle was for me. But thanks to the Coach, all of that has changed now. I love my new position so much that I have almost forgotten how to play down the right,” he had added.
Young players like Mizoram’s Beikhokhei Beingaichho and Siam Hanghal have also excelled at BFC.
“We give the Players the best of facilities. From staying in the best Hotels, to providing the perfect diet, we have done few basics correctly and the owners have backed us to the hilt. For example we travel with 8-9 officials for our away Games. Most Teams don’t. They travel with the bare minimum which is required. You need Officials travelling with the Team for the overall health of the Team to remain at the same level as in Home Games,” Tamhane pronounces.
“This is where Money is spent judiciously. I just think we have been successful with all out initiatives in doing the basics correctly. We have told the people what we are doing. This is very important.”
Bengaluru FC have also tied up with HEAL, where International standards are maintained while dealing with Player injuries.
On the Youth Development front Tamhane informs that BFC Academies and Grassroots Programme aims at promoting local talent the most. “The reason we don’t have residential Academies is because we want to give the local boys of Bangalore a chance. There is a lot of talent in Bangalore and we want to unearth that.”
“Our philosophy as followed by our youth Coach Richard Hood is to play in the same style as the Senior Team.”
ROLL OF HONOUR
I-LEAGUE
2007-08:
Champions: Dempo SC
Runners-up: Churchill Brothers
2008-09:
Champions: Churchill Brothers
Runners-up: Mohun Bagan
2009-10:
Champions: Dempo SC
Runners-up: Churchill Brothers
2010-11:
Champions: Salgaocar SC
Runners-up: East Bengal
2011-12:
Champions: Dempo SC
Runners-up: East Bengal
2012-13:
Champions: Churchill Brothers
Runners-up: Pune FC
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
1996-97:
Champions: JCT Club
Runners-up: Churchill Brothers
1997-98:
Champions: Mohun Bagan
Runners-up: East Bengal
1998-99:
Champions: Salgaocar SC
Runners-up: East Bengal
1999-00:
Champions: Mohun Bagan
Runners-up: Churchill Brothers
2000-01:
Champions: East Bengal
Runners-up: Mohun Bagan
2001-02:
Champions: Mohun Bagan
Runners-up: Churchill Brothers
2002-03:
Champions: East Bengal
Runners-up: Salgaocar SC
2003-04:
Champions: East Bengal
Runners-up: Dempo SC
2004-05:
Champions: Dempo Club
Runners-up: Sporting Clube de Goa
2005-06:
Champions: Mahindra United
Runners-up: East Bengal
2006-07:
Champions: Dempo Club
Runners-up: JCT Club
FROM THE HISTORY BOOK
Bengalaru FC are the second Team to win the Title in their maiden appearance. Mohun Bagan achieved the feat in 1997-98 when they won the second edition of the National Football League. Obviously, JCT Club had won the title in the inaugural year.
Leading Indian Players to have won the NFL/I-League maximum number of times:
Mahesh Gawli (Six times): 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2007-08, 2009-10 and 2011-12.
Clifford Miranda (Five times): 2004-05, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10 and 2011-12.
Sandip Nandy (Five times): 1999-00, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2005-06 and 2012-13.
Climax Lawrence (Four times): 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10 and 2011-12.
Debjit Ghosh (Four times): 1997-98, 1999-00, 2001-02 and 2003-04.
Deepak Mondal (Four timers): 2000-01, 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2005-06.
Surkumar Singh (Four times): 2000-01, 2002-03, 2003-04 and 2005-06.
Leading Foreign recruits to have won NFL/I League maximum number of times:
Ranti Martins (Five-times): 2004-05, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10 and 2011-12.
Roberto Mendes Beto (Four times): 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10 and 2012-13.
Jose Ramirez Barreto (Thrice): 1999-00, 2001-02 and 2005-06.
Suley Musa (Thrice): 2000-01, 2002-03 and 2003-04.
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