Chuni Goswami criticises Bob Houghton's 2011 project

NEW DELHI: Former India captain Chuni Goswami on Saturday flayed national coach Bob Houghton's ambitious plan for the 2011 Asian Cup saying rather than invest time and money on senior players, he should focus on the under-19s if he intends to build a strong squad for future.
The British coach, in his Goal 2011 Project, had proposed that All India Football Federation adopt players like Bhaichung Bhutia, Mahesh Gawli and keep them free off club commitments so that they can concentrate on national duty.
Houghton's proposal includes intensive training for 20 months and more than 40 exhibition matches in the run-up to the Asian Cup in Doha. The ambitious project would cost around Rs 45 crore.
However, Goswami, who led the country to the Jakarta Asian Games gold in 1962, feels the project would serve little purpose since most of the players in Houghton's scheme of things are past their prime.
"Imagine India bowing out in the first round of the Asian Cup then all this money and time spent on senior players would go to waste.
"Houghton would do better to concentrate on the under-19 team instead and put them through the grind. That way even if India go out early, the boys will be better prepared and the country will have a strong squad," said the Padma Shree award winner and Mohun Bagan legend.
"Players like Bhaichung, Mahesh, Dipak (Mondal), Surkumar (Singh) are good but they are getting old. They perhaps have a few more years of active football left. So what's the use in investing in these players," Goswami quipped.
The Arjuna award winner also rubbished Houghton's plan to keep players off club engagements.
"Clubs form the backbone of every country. Playing for clubs like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Dempo and others, whatever be their standard, gives players vital practice and provides them enough competition.
"While at the national camp, the players would just train and occasionally play exhibition matches. It would serve very little purpose," said Goswami, who also had an illustrious cricket career, leading Bengal to one Ranji Trophy final.
The 71-year-old former striker feels Houghton's project is flawed and requires proper planning.
"The project should involve youngsters and they should be groomed but not at the expense of club football, where they learn the competitive edge.
"And even if seniors are included, it shouldn't mean they stay away from club football. Rather, limit the number of matches they play for clubs. That way there will be a proper balance and club football too won't be affected," the former Sheriff of Kolkata said.