@munna21977 Even I hate the fact that few teams have been given direct entry. I would have even prefer the 2nd division route as it shows seriousness. Yes we cant gauge their quality. But my point is currently they are in the league irrespective of entry approach. Lets give them time before we became harsh on them. You never know you might be knocking at changing landscape with respect to Pune Football. Even Rome was not made in a day.
One cannot deny that Dodsal and Bharat FCs made mockeries of I-league. DSK too, for all their infrastructure, are unknown quantities, as far as team building and fan building are concerned. This direct entry business will flop, unless AIFF do some homework and readies/ selects a city for an I-league team, and then awards the franchisee to an interested party.
Until then, I think the corporate should be made to play in div II mandatorily for an year: for the AIFF to assess the Corporate's organization, seriousness and understanding of the affairs, and the corporate to assess the viability of the venue (city), gauge the fans' mind, check the League's reality. They would be promoted automatically after their 1-year probation, and the fees paid after promotion. If it does not work, the corporate shall be given an exit.
I think this match will be a test for TP Rehnesh. He has played in Shilong Derby but is it comparable with Kolkata one? I don't have answer but if he can't control his nerves it will be tough task for East Bengal defence to deal with Glen, Katsumi and Norde. Apart from this position match is 50 - 50. Weather is perfect for football here in Kolkata. Lets see how it goes.
From an owners perspective, it would be a waste to have the resources JSW have an be in the 2nd Division. It is basically a poorer mans ISL in length and so, so bad in terms of publicity. If there is another club like Bengaluru FC then I don't mind them but the AIFF have made mistakes so far with Bharat FC, Dodsal etc. and soon maybe with DSK Shivajians... who a few years ago people told me they could do well and things like the name were perfect.
Comments
Until then, I think the corporate should be made to play in div II mandatorily for an year: for the AIFF to assess the Corporate's organization, seriousness and understanding of the affairs, and the corporate to assess the viability of the venue (city), gauge the fans' mind, check the League's reality. They would be promoted automatically after their 1-year probation, and the fees paid after promotion. If it does not work, the corporate shall be given an exit.
I-league should be spared the humiliation.
The clash of the titans, this is going to be a brilliant game.