KOLKATA: Calcutta Football League side Southern Samity have reportedly signed Liberia national team captain Teah Dennis for the 2019/20 Calcutta Premier Division ‘A’.

IndiaFooty sources have revealed that the player’s deal to join Southern Samity is as good as done, although it is yet to be confirmed by the club.

The central defender will be club’s second foreign signing for the forthcoming campaign after securing the services of Cameroonian front-man Aser Dipanda Dicka last week, as Southern Samity looks to put together a team that is capable of challenging for Calcutta Premier Division ‘A’ title.

The 26-year-old began his playing career with LPRC Oilers FC in 2010. Next season he was signed by one of the biggest clubs in Liberia Barrack Young Controllers FC, where he spent three seasons. During his stint with Barrack Young Controllers, he won the Liberian Premier League and FA Cup and helped the club reach the first round of the CAF Champions League.

Nonetheless, Dennis left Liberia in 2014 to join Jordanian premier league club, Al Ahli Amman. He spent two years with Al Ahli and won the Jordan FA Cup and Super Cup titles before leaving for Malaysia where he featured for Sarawak FA in the Malaysian Super League.

After six months in Malaysia with Sarawak, Dennis returned to Jordan to play for his former club, Al Ahli. He spent the remainder of the 2016-17 season with Al Ahli before joining another Jordanian Premier League side Al-Hussein in 2017.

Despite helping the club survive relegation, the club declined to extend his contract. As he searched for a new contract, Dennis returned to BYC in September 2018.

Bengaluru: Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC have signed Indian Arrows duo, goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill and midfielder Suresh Singh Wangjam, adding to their squad ahead of Carles Cuadrat’s second year as Head Coach. With Cuadrat having extended his stay at with the Blues until 2021, the new signings mark the beginning of the club’s first-team plans for the 2019-20 season.

Prabhsukhan, whose elder brother Gursimrat has had two stints with the Blues, said he was excited to be joining what he considered the best club in the country. “I’ve only heard good things about Bengaluru FC and I can’t wait to begin pre-season with this team. To be in the company and share the pitch with players like Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is something I am looking forward to because I stand to learn a lot and improve myself,” said the 18-year-old, after completing formalities on a one-year deal.

Wangjam, who began his career with the Bir Chandra Memorial Sports Club in Manipur, was selected to represent the India U14s in 2014 and was also a part of the national team that took part in the FIFA U17 World Cup in 2017. Before joining the Blues, 18-year-old Wangjam spent two years alongside Prabhsukhan in the Indian Arrows setup.

“Everyone knows that Bengaluru FC has been a successful team for a number of years and for me to have the opportunity to be a part of that journey makes me very happy. Almost every player I have come across has expressed their desire to join this club and I am really excited to get this chance, and I look forward to making the most of it,” Wangjam said after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Cuadrat said he was excited by the prospect of the new signings, adding that the club’s philosophy gives youngsters the opportunity to grow to their potential.

“We are happy to add two young talented players to the squad. Last season we showed that at Bengaluru FC, we have room for youngsters and we are willing to give them the experience of playing with the first team. I am sure that these two boys stand to improve a lot and will become an important part of our club as we look to defend the title,” said the Spaniard.

Kolkata, May 10, 2019: José Antonio Vicuña has been appointed as the new coach for Mohun Bagan for the 2019-2020 season. The 47-year-old Spanish national is a UEFA Pro Licence holder and has vast experience in professional coaching. Before joining Mohun Bagan he was at the helm of
Poland First Division side Ekstraklasa Płock.

Vicuña has a wealth of experience of coaching in Spain and Poland. He won the Polish League and the Polish Cup in 2012-13 as part of Legia Warsaw coaching staff. In 2015-16, he won the Polish Super Cup as part of the Lech Poznań coaching staff. He has worked extensively as an assistant with Jan Urban, an experienced Polish coach who represented Poland in 1986 World Cup. He was an integral part of Legia Warsaw coaching team which was beaten in final playoff round of UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE  and subsequently played UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE  group stage in 2013-14.

He has coached prominent footballers like Raul Garcia, César Azpilicueta, Nacho Monreal and Javi Martinez. He was involved with youth teams of former La Liga club CA Osasuna.

He has acquired several Professional Coaching Titles from Spanish Football Federation such as Professor of Tactics, Master of Physical Preparation.

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC have reached an agreement with Carles Cuadrat to further the Spaniard’s stay with the Indian Super League champions in a new two-year deal that keeps him with the Blues till the end of the 2020-21 season, the club announced on Wednesday.

Having taken over the reins from Albert Roca at the end of the 2017-18 season, Cuadrat – in what was his first stint as head coach of a team – led the Blues their sixth title in as many seasons when they beat FC Goa in the ISL final at the Mumbai Football Arena, in March, this year.

“I am delighted to continue my stay at a club that functions like a closely-knit family. I have spent three years at Bengaluru FC and the fact that I’m willing to add two more, is testament of how happy I am at the club and in the city. We achieved success last season and I would like to build on it. Importantly, we will be competing in Asia again and that’s a challenge we are all relishing. All footballing reasons aside, the love and support the fans have shown me definitely had a part to play in my decision of signing on a new deal,” said Cuadrat.

Cuadrat, who arrived at the club as Roca’s assistant in 2016, took over from his mentor last year in what was a seamless transition. And while he kept the foundations that Roca laid, intact, Cuadrat brought his own ideas to the table that the dressing room were quick to credit as the reason the Blues got across the finish line in the ISL.

Under the Spaniard, Bengaluru became the first team in the history of the ISL to have won the title after finish on top of the table in the group stages. The Blues also boasted of an unbeaten record at home through the season.

Speaking on the deal, club CEO, Parth Jindal said, “After winning the Indian Super League last season and getting the team to perform the way it did, Carles attracted attention from a host of clubs in the country and even the continent, who wanted to secure his services. However, the fact that he has chosen to stay with Bengaluru FC is a fantastic testament to his belief in the project of this club and country, which is to put Indian football on the world map. He’s turned down lucrative deals to stay with us, and that is a very encouraging sign.

Given his La Masia background, he has been the perfect mentor for the young Indian players and that is an important aspect for us at Bengaluru FC. I am certain we will enjoy more success with Carles at the helm.”

KOLKATA: Mohammedan Sporting Club have appointed  former Indian national team defender Subrata Bhattacharya as the Head Coach for the upcoming season.

Bablu, as he is fondly known in the Kolkata football fraternity, takes over from previous incumbent Raghunath Nandy, whose contract with the club expired last month.

The 66-year old mentor joins the club with an extensive knowledge and experience in coaching having been in the business for over 20 years.

Announcing the appointment, Club General Secretary Jb. Mohammad Qamaruddin said: “I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Bablu Da to Mohammedan Sporting Club. He brings with him a wealth of experience and professionalism. It is our desire that the club goes back to it’s former glory and in Bablu Da we believe that we have someone who can achieve that.”

Meanwhile, Bhattacharya, who is known for his exceptional game reading skills and knack to fox the opponents through his surprise moves, said: “I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work as Head Coach of Mohammedan Sporting Club. It is my sincere hope and desire that I can repay the faith the club has shown in me.”

Jamshedpur, 2^nd May 2019: Jamshedpur FC is delighted to announce the contract extension of Indian defender Robin Gurung on a one-year deal.

Robin has been an integral part of the squad over the last 2 season and has been one of the prolific right backs of the recently concluded league. He featured in 13 league matches and came on as a substitute during the second half of the quarterfinal clash in the Super Cup against FC Goa.

On signing with Jamshedpur FC, Robin added, “I am extremely happy to continue my journey with Jamshedpur FC. Jamshedpur has been my second home and I am fond of the city and its people. Its been an absolute honour to wear the badge of JFC for the last two seasons and I am looking forward to brining a lot of joy to our fans. The management has been very supportive, and I am looking to start afresh this season. The dream is to win the ISL with Jamshedpur FC.”

Jamshedpur FC, CEO, Mukul Choudhari added “Robin has had an outstanding season with us, his dedication and commitment towards the team has set an example for everyone. I am happy he has decided to continue the journey which strengthens our defensive unit more. I wish him the best for the upcoming season.”

Kolkata, May 2, 2019: Two-time ISL champions, ATK have signed Spaniard Antonio López Habas as the Head Coach for the upcoming season of Indian Super League.

Antonio López Habas has previously been successful with ATK, catapulting them to victory in the inaugural season of ISL in 2014 and taking the team to the semi-finals in 2015. Known for his unconventional moves and aggressive style, Habas is a fan-favourite and extremely popular in the city of Kolkata.

The 61-year old Spanish coach used to play as a defender in La Liga for clubs such as Sevilla, Real Murcia and Burgos CF. He has had an extensive coaching career where he coached the Bolivian national team and appeared with them at four Copa América tournaments. Habas was also hired by Valencia CF as their Head Coach in La Liga.

“I am glad to welcome back our new Head Coach, Antonio López Habas to the ATK family. I wish him all the best to carry our two-time championship legacy forward. He is an exceptional manager and I am hopeful Habas will lead the way for ATK with his unique strategies and his enthusiasm.” said Sanjiv Goenka, Principal Owner, ATK.

“I am very proud to be the Head Coach of ATK. I have always had the feeling that I will be back to train the team. I am sure that with the support of the fans, and us working together, we will get the recognition and the results that the club deserves. Success will be achieved when we aspire to compete hard and add to the professional growth of the club. Many thanks to ATK for showing their confidence in me yet again.” said Antonio López Habas.

Jamshedpur, 30^th April 2019: Augustin Fernandes has extended his stay at Jamshedpur Football Club by signing a new one – year deal.

Augustin joined the club during the winter transfer market last season and immediately created an impact on the overall squad. A strong center back who is good with both feet will be continuing his journey with Jamshedpur FC and will look to create a strong partnership with his other hometown recruit Joyner Lourenco.

Augustin featured during the last three matches of the Indian Super League for the club and managed to score a goal against Bengaluru FC at the Furnace. He has previously won the SAFF championship in 2015 with the national team and has been a stalwart for I-League club Salgaocar where he has played for more than six years adding the Durand Cup and the Federation Cup title to his name.

On signing with Jamshedpur FC, Augustin added, “Jamshedpur has been my home for the last 5 months and I have been enjoying every moment in the city. The people are extremely warm and hospitable. I love the fans of Jamshedpur FC and would like to thank the management for showing faith in me.”

Jamshedpur FC, CEO, Mukul Choudhari added “Augustin joined us late last season, but one could see his commitment towards the team. He brings in a lot of experience and it will only help us strengthen our squad. Having him for the entire season gives us the opportunity to see his full potential. Wishing him the best for the upcoming season.”

Jamshedpur, April 26, 2019: Jamshedpur FC is delighted to announce the signing of Indian defender Joyner Lourenco on a two-year deal.

Born in Goa, Joyner started his footballing journey with Goa Velha a local club in Goa. He then went onto represent hometown club Sporting Club de Goa in the I-League where he played for nearly 7 years. He was picked up by Bengaluru FC during the ISL draft 2017-18 and went onto make his debut for BFC during the AFC Cup Preliminary match against Transport United.

He made his India under 23 side debut during the 2014 Asian Games.

On signing with Jamshedpur FC, Joyner added, “It’s a great feeling because not every player has the opportunity to join a huge club like this. I am looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and I am very proud to officially become a Jamshedpur FC player. I really enjoyed the crowd presence at the Furnace last season when I came with Mumbai City and I am looking forward to playing in front of the home fans. I hope along with the team we can make our fans extremely proud and happy. Jam ke khelo Jamshedpur.”

Jamshedpur FC, CEO, Mukul Choudhari added “We are pleased to be able to bring in a player of proven quality who adds to our defensive options. Joyner is experienced at club level and possesses all the requisite attributes to thrive. He will add a lot of strength to our defense along with Tiri and we hope that partnership thrives throughout the season. We have been aware of him for some time and we are confident he will fit in well with the squad.”