New Delhi: There’s buzz about Sunil Chhetri’s trials for Coventry City and if all goes well, he might be the third Indian to play in Europe after Late Mohamed Salim and Bhaichung Bhutia.
One of the major issues for Sunil would be getting the work permit as the British government mentions the need of the player to have more than 75% of the internationals played under his belt and that the country from which the player belongs must be ranked under 70.
While Sunil does fulfill the first, it’s the second one which is a major headache. But, the same was the case with Bhaichung Bhutia in 1999.
"Getting the work permit is a major headache," said Bhaichung.
So how did he manage to get it?
"In my case, the club (Bury FC) used all their cards and helped me get one."
Coventry has a lot of Asian population and it is believed that the club would want to tap it up by bringing in an Asian player in the form of Sunil. With each club trying their utmost to bring these crowds into their stadiums, a move for the Indian international seems likely.
"There are a number of clubs at a close proximity from each other. Coventry is close to Birmingham and you have Birmingham City, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton, West Brom and few more. Each is vying to get these crowds into their stadium," adds the Indian Player of the Year.
Bhaichung had trials with Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion before being offered a contract at Bury FC for three years.
"The Aston Villa trial was just for two-to-three days. I came back thereafter and in the summer went for a full two week trial at Bury. At West Brom, I impressed as well but the manager left before the season began.
"Bury was pleased and I was handed a three year contract."
But how were the trials? Was it difficult for him to breakthrough the ranks?
"It’s very difficult to get through trials. You have to compete with five-to-six players. Then the question is whether they would be interested in securing your work permit if impressed as our (India’s) ranking is not under 70. It doesn’t help sometimes when you are coming from India," answered the Mohun Bagan captain.
Bhaichung’s three year stint at the English club was a mixed one. As he began to impress his managers at Bury – Neil Warnock and Kevin Blackwell, the duo departed from the club. In came Andy Preece, who was player cum manager at Bury.
"That was the worst thing which happened when Neil Warnock and Kevin Blackwell left Bury. They began to appreciate my game and I was scoring goals. It’s a little difficult when a new manager comes in," said the 32 year old.
The Indian skipper went onto state that the English clubs look at India as a market to tap which is something Indian players must make the most of.
"They see India as a market and this is where our Indian players must capitalize. The English clubs also want to attract the Asian crowd in England and getting an Indian player would only help. It’s a win-win situation for the clubs," points the Indian football icon.
So, would he consider a move abroad at this stage of his career?
"Who knows? I would want to go to Sikkim first," said Bhaichung with a wink!
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