Slot for Bhutia in both EB,Bagan teams?

It seems both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are hoping that Bhaichung Bhutia will play in their shades in the Durand Cup.

It seems both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan are hoping that Bhaichung Bhutia will play in their shades in the Durand Cup. The Indian captain signed for East Bengal while Bagan refused to release him,saying that the striker had breached the contract,and an arbitrator was appointed to look into the matter. However,the archrivals,coming together for the tournament after two years,have kept a slot each vacant for Bhutia,expecting a solution halfway through the tournament.

East Bengals provision,after their dismal show in the IFA Shield,is understandable but Bagans move seems to be more of a show of strength.

At first,club secretary Debashish Dutta denied keeping the slot for a specific player but later admitted that Bhutia was one of the probables. He,however,stayed rooted to his clubs stern standpoint.

Anybodys place

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The place kept vacant can be anybodys but Bhaichung is certainly one of the probables according to his contract which we will abide by. But remember,football is a team game and we didnt have Bhaichung during our major victories last season like the Kolkata League and the Federation Cup final. So,its not that we cant do without him, Dutta said before reinforcing Bagans stand again.

Anyway,weve suspended him till December and he can play only if he says sorry for what hes done. Were expecting an apology before the Durand Cup ends. Thats why weve kept the berth open.

Aware of East Bengals move and expecting a solution after Wednesdays hearing,Bhutia,however,is taken completely aback by Bagans move. A solution still is highly unlikely as the 33-year-old stands his ground,as firmly as Bagan.

I was looking forward to playing for East Bengal hoping to reach a solution sometime during the Durand Cup. But Im surprised to know that Mohun Bagan have kept a slot for me. How can they expect a player to play after questioning his commitment and when they are well aware that my priorities have changed, Bhutia told The Indian Express.