Churchill Brothers goalkeeper Sandip Nandy, who stood out with his man of the match show in the team’s 2-0 win over Mohun Bagan in their I-League match on Sunday, credited technical director Subhas Bhowmick for reviving his football career.
Nandy had got a boot from East Bengal last season till Bhowmick came to his rescue. As it turned out, the 38-year-old virtually sealed the title for Churchill, who only need a draw from their remaining two matches to be crowned winners.
“The performance is an answer to my critics at East Bengal. My career was almost over in 2012 as the officials there had said I did not deserve the salary.
“But all credit to Subhas da (Bhowmick) for rediscovering my career. He showed me the way. He has been my lucky coach. I’m proud to (almost) win another title with him. He has made a fine unit here. Full credit goes to him,” Nandy was quoted as saying.
Nandy pulled off two great saves to deny a rampaging Odafa Okolie in their win over Bagan.
For the former East Bengal goalkeeper, if Churchill win the I-League, it would be his third title along with Bhowmick who was the red-and-gold’s coach in their then National Football League triumph from 2002 to 2004.
Overall, Nandy will become a five time national league winner as he was part of Mahindra United (2005-2006) and Mohun Bagan (1999-2000) during their respective triumphs.
Bhowmick said, “It’s a team game and the credit goes to our boys. The I-League title is in sight now.”