Coach’s choice: Mondol

In fact, Tolly ever since they pulled off a shocker win over Mohun Bagan have not had the best of runs since then. A 3-1 loss to Bagan in the all-Airlines final, followed by the loss to the bankmen was not the end they had planned before the New Year.

However, keeping behind those bitter memories, they began their new year registering their first win ‘away’ against Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bangalore. The win for Tolly was creditable as they were without their prolific scorer Ashim Biswas and coach Aloke Mukherjee, who instead were with the Indian camp at Kolkata.

Indian Bank thus leapfrogged to seventh position, while Tolly trailed in a slot lower. The week also had the AIFF announce East Bengal defender Deepak Mondol Footballer of the Year which, for many came, as a surprise. However, AIFF Secretary was quick to inform that he was‘‘selected as per Stephan Constantine (Indian coach) recommendations.’’

Meanwhile, the so-far-so-good League came under scrutiny in terms of players’ fitness. Two days into the camp and Constantine, who harps on fitness as the key to success, seemed irked during the camp. ‘‘Seven to eight rounds should have had players in their prime,’’ he remarked.

There was also some good news for Mahindra United. With heavy investments made, Mahindras have not had a successful run. However, the week saw Constantine name defender Debjit Ghosh as skipper for the SAFF Cup. In fact, blame the league or whatever India, the defending champs in the SAFF Cup, would be without four key players — Bhutia, Mondol, defender Mahesh Gavli and medio Tomba Singh.