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Xtra Time Web Desk: Days after signing Russia’s Andrey Alekseyevich Chernyshov as head coach for the upcoming I League season, Kolkata outfit Mohammedan Sporting made big news in the transfer market by signing Serbian World Cupper Stefan Ilic. The Black Panthers also signed Nicola Stojanovic. Both the players have been referred to the club by coach Chernyshov.

Stefan Ilic represented Serbian U20 squad that took part in the 2015 Youth World Cup. Serbia became the champion of the tournament. Stefan played under Chernyshov  at Spartak Subotica. He also played for heavy weight Serbian club Red Star Belgrade. Currently the 26 year old striker is plying his trade for Serbia’s first division club OFK Backa.

The club has also signed 25 year old midfielder Nicola Stojanovic. He does not possess a high profile bio data like Stefan though. He has plied his trade in countries like Greece, Romania, Macedonia where he represented in first and second division clubs.

Meanwhile 53-year-old Chernyshov will have his task cut out after Mohammedan Sporting finished a lowly sixth in a controversy-marred 2020-21 season. A UEFA Pro License-holder, Chernyshov comes in with coaching experience of more than two decades at the club and international level. This will be his first stint in India.

Chernyshov was a member of the Soviet Union National Youth Team that won the 1990 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He also represented the Commonwealth of Independent States at UEFA Euro 1992.

Mohammedan Sporting began the last season with much fanfare following a promotion to the I-League after seven years. But the club also courted controversy when it sacked former head coach Yan Law midway into the I-League qualifiers in October for allegedly leaking team information. Jose Hevia took over the reins only to be sacked later for poor results.

With a new coach and a high profile signing, Mohammedan Sporting supporters will be hoping for a change in fortune this season.