XtraTime Web Desk: June 01, 2020 will mark a landmark day in Indian football with I League champions Mohun Bagan and Indian Super League (ISL) champions ATK starting its journey as a new entity after the merger few months back. The new club Mohun Bagan-ATK will take part in the Indian Super League from 2020-21 season. ATK owner Sanjeev Goenka bought majority stakes (80 percent shares) while Mohun Bagan had to be satisfied with only 20 percent shares.
Former Indian and Mohun Bagan striker Bhaichung Bhutia feels the new entity should do well to preserve the culture and heritage of the 130 year old club.
According to Bhaichung, “The merger is interesting. I had advised (Sanjeev) Goenka to merge in the second season (of the ISL) but it did not happen. But I’m glad it’s happening now. It was hard to get the fan following and people to come to the stadium for ATK,”
In a live chat on ISL’s official instagram handle Bhutia said, “But now they have their own branding with three ISL titles. ATK are getting a huge fan following from across the country when they merge with Mohun Bagan. That must be preserved. I feel it must be Mohun Bagan-ATK. The colour of the jersey must be maroon and green, and the Mohun Bagan logo must be kept. ATK will benefit heavily from this.
“It becomes hard for Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to accept a new club (ATK). They identify with these two clubs like it’s their surname. That’s why I feel ATK found it hard to get the fan following,” signed off Bhaichung.