Sikkim United FC name squad for 2012/13 season

Newly promoted I-league side United Sikkim FC earlier today announced their squad for the 2012/13 season at a press conference in Kolkata.

"It's a new club with a young squad. Budget-wise we are nowhere near to Mohun Bagan or United SC. But we're very very confident. Our main aim is to remain in the I-League," said club co-owner Baichung Bhutia.

The squad has been put together by Belgian coach Philippe de Ridder, who was given a free hand by the owners to put together his own squad. De Ridder held trials across India to unearth new talent, which he now wants to develop at United Sikkim FC. The club have signed two foreigners, a Korean and Nigerian, so far and are still to fill their quota of four.

What will come as good news for his fans Baichung Bhutia will be registered as a player for USFC, which marks his return to the I-league not only as a co-owner but also a player as well.

A few weeks ago United Sikkim FC had announced the Kolkata-based URO Group as their title sponsors.


SIKKIM UNITED FC

Goalkeepers
Tae-Yoon (new), Monotosh Ghosh

Defenders
Anwar (Mohun Bagan AC), Harpreet Singh, Syed Farid, K. Romen Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Nim Tshering Lepcha, Rahul Jaiswal (new), Sanjeev Mali (new)

Midfielders
Hardip Singh Saini (new), Beingaichho Beokhokhai (East Bengal Club), Salau Nuruddin (Green Valley SC, Assam), Sheikh Shabbir Ali (Prayag United SC), Raju Debnath (new), Sahinsha Ansari, Nima Tamang (Sikkim Sports Academy), Thupden Bhutia (new), V. Lalthanpuia (new), Lineker Machado (Union Bank of India, Mumbai), Mashangva Genius Zenith (Shillong Lajong FC)

Forwards
Budhiram Tudu (East Bengal Club), Baichung Bhutia, Nadong Bhutia (new)

Reserve/Junior players
Mobin Rai (Sikkim Sports Academy), Gokul Oram (Samaleshwari FC, Orissa), Sagar Rai, Munmun T. Lugun, Jiten Rai, Mayal Dok Lepcha, Tenzing Tsephel Bhutia, Vikram Singh Gill

Officials
Philippe de Ridder (Head Coach), Arjun Rai (Manager)