Race for coaches begins

Mahindras, who were handled by Harish Rao, for a major part of the last season, after the sudden exit of SS Hakeem, have struck a deal with Shabbir Ali, the current Salgaocar coach. The Goan side, meanwhile, are on the look out for an apt replacement and have already begun negotiations with Amal Dutta, who trained Tollygunge Agragami this season.

Dutta, who has decided to part ways with the Tollygunge is eager to resume his career in Goa.

Another Goan side in search of a coach is Dempo, who have been relegated to the NFL (Second Division). Dempo who have already sacked their Iranian coach Ahmed Sanjari, have already signed another Iranian Jamshed Nassiri as their coach for the coming season.

Tollygunge, on the look out for a new trainer are reportedly keen to sign Sankar Moitra, who heads the Bengal team for the ongoing Santosh Trophy.

East Bengal have replaced an “unfit” Subash Bhowmick with veteran Syed Nayeemuddin. Bhowmick had undergone a cardiac surgey and sought rest after his busy engagement with the NFL.

FC Kochin’s TK Chathunni, whose negotiations with East Bengal failed to bear fruit, is now expolring the possibility of a tie-up with Goa’s Vasco, recently elevated to the First Division. Vasco, left coachless, midway through the sudden resignation of Coutinho, are keen to have Chathunni, once their player, as their coach for the forthcoming season. “Whoever comes up with the highest bid will get my services” said Chathunni on his future.

The sad demise of Albert Fernando a couple of weeks ago has left the Indian Bank without a coach. The Chennai-team are likely to have the services of their former captain VP Sathyan as one of their coaches for the next season. Sathyan is leaving for Goa this week to undergo a training course for coaches.

FC KOCHIN IN TROUBLE: With three of its key players -Shafeeq, Feroz and Noushad deciding to switch over to ITI, FC Kochin is in trouble waters. The club yet to overcome its financial problems, will have a tough time persuading IM Vijayan and Jo Paul Ancheri to stay back.

Another hot property in the transfer market is Najeeb, a former FC Kochin player who had a fine stint with Mahindras last season. FC Kochin, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are keen to have him under their wings.

The sponsors of Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have convened a meeting in which their total budget for the next season would be decided. The bidding for players will be intensified after the meeting. The clubs are unlikely to hike their expenses this season.