Hurdles in Goal 2011 of Bob Houghton

 An Ambitious project to get Indian Football back on track in international level has been experiencing a stiff hurdle from I-League club owners. Bob Houghton one of the most decorated mangers of Indian National football Team has been showing good result with his approach. He is an experienced coach in both club and national team level also. The AIFF on its part, not making any clear decision or statements against I-league clubs. In current situation there may not be takers to sponsor the Team. Real conflict is either to Boost I-League or to Strengthen Indian National Football Team. Similar projects have showed good results in many instances Korean’s approach for 2002 worldcup, US during 1994, and Mexico in 1986.

“Today it was an informal gathering to discuss this project. Next month we will present a final plan to acting president Praful Patel,”

a top AIFF official told. The plan has been approved by the executive committee and if passed by the development committee is likely to be implemented from the coming season. According to the project, the 25 players selected won’t be contracted with any club and their present salaries will be matched by  AIFF.

Chuni Goswami’s crtic words from Hindu article,

“Houghton would do better to concentrate on the under-19 team instead and put them through the grind. That way even if India go out early, the boys will be better prepared and the country will have a strong squad,” said the Padma Shree award winner and Mohun Bagan legend.

“Players like Bhaichung, Mahesh, Dipak (Mondal), Surkumar (Singh) are good but they are getting old. They perhaps have a few more years of active football left. So what’s the use in investing in these players,” Goswami quipped.



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“Clubs form the backbone of every country. Playing for clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Dempo and others, whatever be their standard, gives players vital practice and provides them enough competition.

“While at the national camp, the players would just train and occasionally play exhibition matches. It would serve very little purpose,” said Goswami

Houghton’s project is flawed and requires proper planning.

“The project should involve youngsters and they should be groomed but not at the expense of club football, where they learn the competitive edge.

Focusing more on Youngster is Good idea, Pool of 25 member team has 70% of youngsters. “No country for old men” is  not the correct strategy. Need to balance it. There is no doubt clubs are the back bone of the country. National team is equally important. Clubs can not provide 40 practice matches against other nations. Influence of Houghton will attract more teams to participate in the practice sessions. Nation Team representation and then to the club will attract more popularity to the club and Football in India. Certainly I-League has the potential to attract the mass.

Mohun Bagan secretary Anjan Mitra, taking a dig at the federation, says:

“The AIFF doesn’t even have the capacity to nurture five players and they are talking about 25. What about the clubs, their supporters? Without the top 25 national players the domestic league will lose its sheen.”

Though he represents the oldest club in Asia. Representing a nation and preparation towards Goal 2011 has to be respected.

I-League champions Dempo also walk the same line.

“I-League was structured as a professional setup to put football back in its rightful place and now if we take all the top players away, the whole purpose is nullified. It’s a backward step,”

I-league will attract more people then Before dear Dempo.

Thanks  to ergo. My reading in their free edition Helped to write this http://goergo.in./

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