I grew up reading about him in Khela editions. He was always treated as someone special. At the same time, those at the helm didn't like him much for his outspoken nature. Always called spade a spade. Such a legend.
On that Fed Cup Semi final when we basically finished Amal Da's coaching career, along with thousands of supporters were abusing him for insulting our players before the match. He was so ahead of his time, a true blue professional coach in Indian football. A bit pensive today, so many memories come rushing back. Dismantling of that diamond stuff by a counter attacking EB remains top of the mind. RiP Amal sir, you were right about Bhaichung all the way!
Amal Datta never got his dues from the football fraternity, may be for never being a star footballer himself, or being outspoken, or being a system disrupter, or being a real professional unseen in Indian circuit those days; and in spite of being a great human being, simple to the core. He was the first modern coach we ever saw in the Calcutta Maidans.
The establishment despised him, either at the state level or at the national level. Not to be surprised as he used to refer the all-powerful Mr Dasmunshi as 'the shorty' publicly.
The media loved him, as they would someone who would create so much controversies on a daily basis. The proliferation of Bengali sports periodicals since the late seventies lapped him up (particularly the young Ashoke Dasgupta, present Editor of Aajkal, who was finding his footings in the sports journalism those days through Khelar Aasar, Khelar Kotha, etc). He was misunderstood widely.
Amal Datta did not make money out of the sport, he involved himself just out of love. He went abroad to learn about modern football and came back to implement it. But his uncompromising attitude did not allow the system to buckle and get the due recognition. But one thing is clear: he was way ahead of his age. On hearing the news of his death, my heart became heavy with memories of those heady days.
RIP Sir. Maybe in the coming future, while chronicling the evolution of Indian football, we would be able to evaluate you and give you your deserving place in history ....
RIP. I wonder how many remember the game between Churchill Bros and EB, where Amal Dutta refused to allow his team (CB), to play the match bcoz of the type of footballs used. Hilarious.
According to sources close to Goal, the north eastern franchise are considering taking legal action against the former Pohang Steelers coach and could take the matter to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an independent organisation with the task of resolving legal disputes in the field of sport through arbitration or mediation.
CAS had earlier confirmed to Goal earlier this year that matters relating to a league, which isn't recognised - whose winner doesn't progress to play in continental championships, are also entertained or heard.
indian Super League - Sergio Farias' actions belie a coach's nobility in the hot-seat
The resident of Baguihati was an exceptional visionary, but probably not the best implementer. "Other coaches can celebrate winning 500 trophies but if I can bring 500 more spectators to the stadium regularly, I will be happy," he used to say.
---True , very true. But yes, The bottomline is Amal Dutta is a hero Indian Football didn't deserve.
True to its truest sense. Blessed are we who witnesses his magic. After he retired from coaching he used write sports columns sometimes for leading Bengali dailies. Those were also awesome.
NEUFC should learn from FC Goa Final controversy and form a 2-member committee with Kiran More and a retired Judge. After 6 months of meetings, the two member ISL committee will issue a fine and ban for Sergio Farias which he will refuse to pay and appeal for reconsideration. The appeal for reconsideration will take one year to be resolved.
Bottom Line is that Players and coaches should be prepared for cheating and no legal protection from FIFA while involving in illegal leagues. "Participate at your own Risk" should be printed on the Contract Papers.
Comments
The establishment despised him, either at the state level or at the national level. Not to be surprised as he used to refer the all-powerful Mr Dasmunshi as 'the shorty' publicly.
The media loved him, as they would someone who would create so much controversies on a daily basis. The proliferation of Bengali sports periodicals since the late seventies lapped him up (particularly the young Ashoke Dasgupta, present Editor of Aajkal, who was finding his footings in the sports journalism those days through Khelar Aasar, Khelar Kotha, etc). He was misunderstood widely.
Amal Datta did not make money out of the sport, he involved himself just out of love. He went abroad to learn about modern football and came back to implement it. But his uncompromising attitude did not allow the system to buckle and get the due recognition. But one thing is clear: he was way ahead of his age. On hearing the news of his death, my heart became heavy with memories of those heady days.
RIP Sir. Maybe in the coming future, while chronicling the evolution of Indian football, we would be able to evaluate you and give you your deserving place in history ....
According to sources close to Goal, the north eastern franchise are considering taking legal action against the former Pohang Steelers coach and could take the matter to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an independent organisation with the task of resolving legal disputes in the field of sport through arbitration or mediation.
CAS had earlier confirmed to Goal earlier this year that matters relating to a league, which isn't recognised - whose winner doesn't progress to play in continental championships, are also entertained or heard.
indian Super League - Sergio Farias' actions belie a coach's nobility in the hot-seat
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/7083/isl/2016/07/12/25546732/indian-super-league-sergio-farias-actions-belie-a-coachs?ICID=HP_BN_1http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/136/india/2016/07/11/25501932/obituary-to-amal-dutta-the-disruptive-innovator-indian?ICID=AR_RS_1
The resident of Baguihati was an exceptional visionary, but probably not the best implementer. "Other coaches can celebrate winning 500 trophies but if I can bring 500 more spectators to the stadium regularly, I will be happy," he used to say.
---True , very true. But yes, The bottomline is Amal Dutta is a hero Indian Football didn't deserve.
Bottom Line is that Players and coaches should be prepared for cheating and no legal protection from FIFA while involving in illegal leagues. "Participate at your own Risk" should be printed on the Contract Papers.