Mohun Bagan officials have cleared their stands on IFA shield. The officials have sent a letter to IFA this morning. IFA has been informed that 6 players are playing for the national squad, and 3 more players have been called by AIFF for U-22 camp. 5 players are nursing injuries and Odafa is also not fully fit. Hence Bagan will participate if the tournament is postponed to May 2012.

A very bad morning here in Kolkata today – our beloved Manna-da, the great Sailen Manna passed away at 1:55am.

  His body had been taken to his home in the morning. Mohun Bagan, East Bengal and other club officials visited his residence. Sports Minister, Ex-sports Minister and other political leaders were also there. Ex-players like Compton Dutta, Sibaji Banerjee were there as well.

His body will be taken to his residence at Howrah firsat and then to Rabindra Sadan. His body will be kept at Rabindra Sadan from 1pm to 4pm today and would not be taken to any club tent in Maidan. His body will be taken to the Keoratala burning ghat this evening.

Upon asking about the same – Debasish Dutta exclaimed that Manna-da never had any difference with the institution and particularly he had a strong 60 years relationship with the club, but his family’ s sentiment will be honoured.

mohunbaganclub.com has learnt that Subrata Bhattacharya was upset upon hearing that Manna-da’s body won’t be taken to the club tent and exclaimed how that can be possible. He believed that Manna-da’s body will be taken to the club premises where the club members, officials and ex-players will show their last respect.

Yes. The deadly goal machine has done it again as the Mariners snatched 3 points from vibrant Mumbai FC and placed themselves in the 2nd position in iLeague table. Odafa scored twice in 2nd half to help the Mariners crossed the victory lap ahead of opponent coming from one goal down.

The proverb – ‘Morning shows the day’ have proved to be wrong yet again today. With most of the top players are out either for critical injury or for suspension, it was real headache for the Mohun Bagan team management to decide first XI against an opponent who has been known for creating upset. The gamble to place Mohanraj, who has been out for quite long time for sustained injury, into first XI almost back fired as he had to be replaced by debutant Deepak Kumar, who has been registered for senior team only a day back. However, as a promising young blood from Mohun Bagan- SAIL academy, Dipak has been able to acclimatize quickly in vulnerable left back position.The proverb – ‘Morning shows the day’ have proved to be wrong yet again today. With most of the top players are out either for critical injury or for suspension, it was real headache for the Mohun Bagan team management to decide first XI against an opponent who has been known for creating upset. The gamble to place Mohanraj, who has been out for quite long time for sustained injury, into first XI almost back fired as he had to be replaced by debutant Deepak Kumar, who has been registered for senior team only a day back. However, as a promising young blood from Mohun Bagan- SAIL academy, Dipak has been able to acclimatize quickly in vulnerable left back position.

Going by the flow of the match, it was a subdued first half for the Mariners with frequent fumbles at mid-fields and defense as the supply line for Odafa-Ashim combo were dried. Opponent took the advantage of the situation and opened the score card making the stadium stunned. The situation didn’t change till the veteran TD of the Mohun Bagan made his first tactical change by bringing NP Pradeep in place of Zelany early in the second half. Started as more of a holding medio role, Pradeep started much needed O2 to the supply line. Another master stroke by injecting fresh blood of Manish Bhargav in place of jaded Ashim proved to be too spicy to handle for the opposition to held the their leader in slender margin. Odafa first equalized from the penalty as the opponent defender tripped Manish when he was about to finish the brilliant back heel inside Mumbai FC penalty box. Immediately after the equalizer, Odafa found the net again as Mumbai FC custodian fumbled.

Jose Barreto joined team practice today at Mohun Bagan Ground. He told to the press that he has no problem so far with the officials and coaches in the team. His main aim to win I League this year as it is quite wide open to the teams. He also told that whichever problem raised after derby, that has been solved and there is no problem at all in the team. He added that Mohun Bagan is close to his heart. Finance Secretary Debasis Dutta told that Barreto has to take rest up to 4 weeks for his injury. So there is no place for speculation.

It was almost a bloodshed for the Mariners at Salt Lake stadium today when 3 key fighters – Nabi, Barreto and Lima had to leave the ground with serious injury whereas some other players including Odafa narrowly escaped vociferous challenges and monstrous assaults by the opposition players. Needless to curse the match officials whose match control and decision making was no more than a puppet show.

The match ended in a draw as Odafa, the goal machine, equalized with a brilliant right footer immediately after the lemon break. Mariners was gaining the control over the match in the second half immediately after the equalizer as Barreto replaced Zelany. However, the double blow – injury of Barreto and then Lima pushed them back as Barreto was replaced by Ashim and no option was left to replace Lima as Nabi had to replaced earlier due to injury. Mohun Bagan had to escape mad tackles with 10 men towards the fag end of the match.

In summary, 1 point in our bag with 3 critical injuries, bogus match control and perhaps advantage Dempo at the end of round 19. However, according to our TD, iLeague is far from over. And we strongly endorse his optimism.   

New team bus for McDowell Mohun Bagan has been arrived in the club tent today from Bangalore. The body colour of the bus is white with green and maroon designs. The logo of McDowell Mohun Bagan is in front of the bus. Definitely the bus is looking so beautiful. On behalf of mbc.com we are congratulating the entire McDowell Mohun Bagan team for that professional approach.

Managing Director of McDowell Mohun Bagan Mr. Anjan Kumar Mitra  requsted to the supporters and fans of Mohun Bagan for not to make any harm to the bus irrespective of team performance. He also added that there is no place for superstition as well. The result of match can be good or bad afterwards but never think that will happen due to this bus.

Meanwhile, it has been learnt that the bus will be inagurated by Siddhartha Mallya, Chairman, McDowell Mohun Bagan. But he may not be available before the I League match on 4th of February with local rival Kingfisher East Bengal. So, the bus will serve the team after that match most probably after ingarutation, told Finance Secretary Debasis Dutta.