United Sikkim FC

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  (Redirected from )

United Sikkim
United Sikkim FC 2012 Logo.jpeg
Full nameRoyal United Sikkim Football Club[1]
Nickname(s)The Snow Lions[2]
Sikkim People Club
Founded2011; 10 years ago (2011)
GroundPaljor Stadium[3] (currently)
Bhaichung Bhutia Stadium (proposed)
Capacity30,000
OwnerBhaichung Bhutia
ManagerArjun Rai
LeagueSikkim Premier Division League

United Sikkim Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Gangtok, Sikkim. Founded in 2011,[4][5] the club competes in the Sikkim Premier Division League.[6][7] United Sikkim is the only club from Sikkim to have played in the I-League,[8] one of the top flights of Indian football league system.[9][10][11] The club which is owned by former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia,[12] was founded in order to give people of the Indian state of Sikkim a professional football team.[13]

In September 2019, Bhaichung Bhutia announced shutting the club down due to some unavoidable circumstances.[14] During an emotional farewell event, Bhaichung Bhutia thanked all the players and support staff besides the fans who supported the club over the years.[15]

The club was revived again in January 2021, with aim to play in the Indian Super League.[16] Manager Arjun Rai said on Monday that besides inaugurating the senior and youth team, emphasis would be laid on bringing footballers from the villages.[17]

History[]

Foundation[]

The professional club was founded in 2011,[18] by Sikkim Football Association (SFA) and Baichung Bhutia,[19][20][21] already competing in the Sikkim Gold Cup and other all-India tournaments for the early years of their existence.[4] Then, on 22 March 2011 the club was launched as a professional, which would be co-owned by Dubai-based Fidelis World, former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia and Indian singer Shankar Mahadevan.[13][22] The club revealed that they would compete in the 2011 I-League 2nd Division, in the quest for promotion to the I-League within the next three years.[13][23]

2011–2012: 2nd Division seasons[]

The club started their quest for the I-League on 27 February 2011,[24] when they signed Liberian international Johnny Menyongar from NSC Minnesota Stars of the North American Soccer League in the United States.[25] The club played their first match of the 2011 I-League 2nd Division against Langsning F.C. on 31 March 2012, in which they drew 2–2.[26] United Sikkim won their first match of the season five days later, on 5 April 2011 against North Imphal Sporting Association at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Assam, by a score of 2–0.[27] The club finished in first place in group A of the first round of the I-League 2nd Division and thus qualified for the 2011 I-League 2nd Division Final Round, in which they only needed to finish in the top two for promotion.[28] The club began Final round with three consecutive draws against Sporting Clube de Goa, Royal Wahingdoh and Shillong Lajong, before winning two matches in a row against Mohammedan and Southern Samity. Next, a draw to Ar-Hima and a loss to Vasco officially knocked United Sikkim out of contention for promotion and forced them to settle on fifth place for the season.[29]

The season including the 2012 I-League 2nd Division did not start well for United Sikkim. On 11 June 2011, it was announced that Johnny Menyongar would leave the club to join I-League team Shillong Lajong, as well as Indian internationals Renedy Singh and NS Manju few months later.[30][31] However, after firing coach Stanley Rozario, United Sikkim signed Belgian Philippe De Ridder as coach of the team.[32][33] The club re-signed Nigerian players Daniel Bedemi and Quinton Jacobs for the season. They then began charge for the I-League for the second season in a row with a 3–2 victory over Bhawanipore F.C. at the Satindra Mohan Dev Stadium in Assam on 2 February 2012.[34] The club went on to win three more matches during the first round of the I-League 2nd Division against Eagles, Southern Samity and Ar-Hima in order to qualify for the final round.[35] They won promotion on the last day of the season on 17 April 2012 at the Paljor Stadium in front of 30,000 fans, as United Sikkim drew Mohammedan 1–1, with Daniel Bedemi scoring.[36]

On 13 November 2012, Bhutia was named the interim manager to replace Belgian Philippe De Ridder, after the club's heavy 1–10 defeat in an I-League match against Prayag United on 10 November 2012 at the Salt Lake Stadium.[37]

2012–2013: I-League[]

Later it was initially reported that United Sikkim had started talks with Australian manager Nathan Hall about a possible head coaching role at the club.[38] On 10 December 2012, it was officially confirmed by United Sikkim that Hall had joined the club as its new head coach, replacing interim player-coach Bhaichung Bhutia.[39] His first game as head coach of the club in the league came on 15 December against Mumbai at the Balewadi Sports Complex in which United Sikkim lost 0–1.[40] Hall then managed to earn his first point as head coach in his next match against ONGC on 29 December in which his side drew 1–1 at the Ambedkar Stadium with Nadong Bhutia scoring the first goal for United Sikkim under Hall.[41]

United Sikkim did not win a single game under Hall until 27 March 2013 in which his side managed a 5–0 victory over forced-relegated side Air India at the Paljor Stadium.[42] This would turn out to be United Sikkim's last win and points for the rest of the season as the side lost its last four matches after this one and were thus relegated to the I-League 2nd Division.

2013: Travel to Bhutan[]

In March 2013, Nathan Hall managed United Sikkim went to Bhutan for training. In their first foreign tour, they played three friendly matches against local sides Drukpol FC, Yeedzin and Zimdra at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimpu.[43]

From July to August 2013, they went to Bhutan again and participated in 2013 King's Cup,[44][45] in which they moved to the knockout stages. In the first semi-final, United Sikkim lost 2–4 to Manang Marshyangdi of Nepal.

2014: I-League 2nd Division[]

They also participated in the 2014 I-League 2nd Division and moved to the Final Round of I-League Qualifiers,[46][47][48] finishing on fourth position[49][50] with seven points in eight matches.[51][52]

2014–2018[]

On 18 December 2014, it was revealed by owner Bhaichung Bhutia that United Sikkim had decided to leave the competition as future of I League was dim due to the formation of ISL, and thus team would only participate in the local league.[53][54]

In February 2018, United Sikkim went to Nepal for participating in the 16th Aaha! Rara Gold Cup, in which they failed to reach the knock-out stages.[55]

2020–present[]

The All India Football Federation was all set to invite bids for vacant spot in the I-League and Gangtok-based United Sikkim Football Club were one of the front-runners to submit it for 2020–21 season. However, the bid was won by Sudeva Moonlight (currently Sudeva Delhi) from Delhi.[56][57]

In 2021, Bhaichung Bhutia, the owner of the club announced that it will revive its junior and senior teams while aiming to bring the Indian Super League (ISL) into the state. The Sikkim's top club said it will also focus on its grassroots programme.[58]

Crest and colours[]

On 22 March 2011, the first kit and crest of United Sikkim were unveiled at Taj Hotel in Kolkata.[59] The club crest had a picture of a snow lion, which is also their mascot, and the color of the kit was red with white shorts.[59] The club's away colors are dark and light blue.[60] On 29 August 2012, after gaining promotion to the I-League, the club unveiled their new crest which is dominantly red, unlike orange crests from before. Instead of having "est. 2008" for the founding year, new crest has "est. 2011", which stands for the year when professionalized itself.[61]

  • United Sikkim's first crest from 2011 to 2012

  • United Sikkim's second crest from 2012

Stadium[]

Main article: Paljor Stadium
A view of Paljor Stadium

For their first season in the I-League, the club announced that they would play all their home matches at the 30,000 seater Paljor Stadium in the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok.[62][63][64][65] When the club were participating in amateur tournaments from 2008 to 2011, and the I-League 2nd Division from 2011 to 2012, in which they would play in neutral venues, the club used Paljor Stadium as a training ground, holding majority of their practices there.[66] However, despite the I-League 2nd Division being a neutral competition the Paljor Stadium was given the rights to host the 2012 I-League 2nd Division Final Round 2nd leg in which United Sikkim were also participating.[67] The ground was also the venue for the match in which United Sikkim gained promotion to the I-League after drawing Mohammedan 1–1.[68]

Seats in Paljor Stadium

Rivalry[]

United Sikkim had a rivalry with their fellow North East Indian club Shillong Lajong FC in the I-League, which was often abbreviated as the Northeast India Derby.

Northeast India Derby[]

Opponent Played Wins Draws Losses
United Sikkim 2 0 1 1
Shillong Lajong 2 1 1 0
Total 2 1 1 0

Sikkim Derby[]

United Sikkim has also a rivalry with their fellow Sikkim-based club Gangtok Himalayan SC,[69][70] whom they face in regional tournaments including Sikkim Premier Division League.[71] Both the clubs use Paljor Stadium as their home grounds. They last met each other on 9 November 2019 during a match of Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup and Gangtok Himalayan defeated United by 3–1 margin.[72]

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors[]

Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor Tracksuit uniform
2011 Nike EMTA[73]
2012 -
2012 URO
2013–2018 Kokkivo Clothing[74]
2018–2019 Officer's Choice[75]
2021– Cosco Hero MotoCorp

Managerial history[]

Further information: List of United Sikkim F.C. managers

Updated 13 November 2012

Name Nationality From To P W D L GF GA Win% Honours
Stanley Rozario  India March 2011[76] 3 December 2011 14 6 6 2 25 17 042.86
Philippe De Ridder Belgium Belgium 3 December 2011[77][78][79] 13 November 2012 26 11 6 9 45 48 042.31 2012 I-League 2nd Division
Bhaichung Bhutia India India 13 November 2012[37] 0 0 0 0 0 0 !—
Nathan Hall Australia Australia 13 December 2012[80] 2013 19 1 4 14 0 0 005.26

Notable former players[]

For all former notable players of United Sikkim with a Wikipedia article, see: United Sikkim F.C. players.

World Cup player[]

Honours & achievements[]

Further information: List of United Sikkim F.C. seasons

Domestic[]

International[]

Regional[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "2nd Div I-League: Babatunde guides Royals to second win". The Shillong Times. 6 April 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  2. ^ Nakashe, Mrunal. "Pailan Arrows 1-1 United Sikkim: Tirthankar Sarkar strikes late on to break Sikkim hearts". Goal.com. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  3. ^ "Sikkim Premier Division League 2019: Update". The Away End. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  4. ^ a b Bhutani, Rahul. "Chirag United and United Sikkim: The Two Extremes of Indian Football". The Hard Tackle. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  5. ^ Goalie365 (16 July 2018). "Sikkim Football Association released the fixture for 2018 Sikkim Premier Division League at football house in Gangtok". Goalie36.com. Archived from the original on 22 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  6. ^ "Sikkim Premier League kicks off today". sikkimexpress.com. Sikkim Express. 24 August 2019. Archived from the original on 30 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  7. ^ Gurung, Yuvraj (17 September 2019). "Sikkim Premier Division League 2019: Update". theawayend.co. The Away End. Archived from the original on 12 May 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2019.
  8. ^ Mohan, Srinivasan (7 February 2013). "China calling for United Sikkim's Sandesh Jhingan – report". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  9. ^ "UNITED SIKKIM VS. AIR INDIA 5 - 0". Soccerway. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  10. ^ "United Sikkim 3–2 Salgaocar". Soccerway.com. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  11. ^ "Pune FC logged their first win of the season with a 1-0 win over United Sikkim FC in a Group-D Federation Cup encounter". Pune Football Club. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
  12. ^ "Baichung to play farewell match against Bayern Munich". The Times of India. The Times Group. 6 December 2011. Archived from the original on 10 December 2011. Retrieved 10 December 2011.
  13. ^ a b c Sengupta, Rahul. "India: Dazzling Launch For United Sikkim As Bhaichung Bhutia Shows Indian Football Does Have Investors". Goal.com. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  14. ^ "Indian football: Bhaichung Bhutia decides to shut down United Sikkim FC". Goal.com. 23 September 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  15. ^ Dichen Ongmu (24 September 2019). "Emotional farewell to players as United Sikkim FC shuts down". EastMojo.com. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  16. ^ "United Sikkim revived, Bhaichung Bhutia says aim is to bring ISL into state". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  17. ^ "Indian football: Bhaichung Bhutia-owned United Sikkim FC revived with aim to take part in ISL". Scroll.in. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  18. ^ Schöggl, Hans. "India - List of Foundation Dates". rsssf.com. Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  19. ^ "Renedy and Manju to play for Baichung's team". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
  20. ^ Mangar, Nirmal. "United Sikkim enters I-League – Draw for Bhaichung boys". Samachar. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
  21. ^ Srivastava, Ayush. "Club management to blame for United Sikkim's relegation". Goal.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2015. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
  22. ^ "Renedy and Manju to play for Baichung's team". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 October 2013. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
  23. ^ Sunam, Ashim. "United Sikkim qualification highlight of my career: Bhaichung Bhutia". Meri News. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  24. ^ Nisanth V Easwar (10 September 2020). "I-League: How newly-promoted teams have performed". goal.com. Goal. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  25. ^ "Bengaluru FC midfielder Johnny Menyongar calls time on playing career". Sportskeeda.com. 27 July 2015. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  26. ^ "I-League 2nd Division – Langsning vs United Sikkim – Soccer – Scoresway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". www.scoresway.com. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  27. ^ "I-League 2nd Division – United Sikkim vs NISA – Soccer – Scoresway – Results, fixtures, tables and statistics". www.scoresway.com. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  28. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  29. ^ "All India Football Federation, Football Development Programmes". www.the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  30. ^ "Menyongar signs with Shillong Lajong". India Blooms. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  31. ^ "Shillong Lajong sign Renedy Singh". Times of India. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
  32. ^ Choudhuri, Arunava. "Indian Football: Transfer Season 2011/12 – Version 13". Arunava Choudhuri. Archived from the original on 2 July 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  33. ^ "de Ridder — innovative coach". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  34. ^ "I-League 2nd Div.: United Sikkim beats Bhawanipur 3–2". iSikkim. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  35. ^ "AIFF 2nd Divn. I-League - 2012". www.kolkatafootball.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  36. ^ "USFC Top Group". The All India Football Federation. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  37. ^ a b "Bhutia interim coach of United Sikkim". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 13 November 2012. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
  38. ^ Higgs, Paddy. "Australian coach Nathan Hall nears Indian I-League appointment". Goal.com. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  39. ^ "New Coaching Regime". United Sikkim FC - Facebook. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  40. ^ "MUMBAI VS. UNITED SIKKIM 1 - 0". Soccerway. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  41. ^ "ONGC VS. UNITED SIKKIM 1 - 1". Soccerway. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  42. ^ "UNITED SIKKIM VS. AIR INDIA 5 - 0". Soccerway. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  43. ^ United Sikkim FC on training visit to Bhutan Sportskeeda. Retrieved 1 September 2021
  44. ^ Khandu Tobgyel (19 July 2013). "Bhutan King's Cup 2013 kicks off tomorrow". Bhutan Observer. Archived from the original on 10 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  45. ^ Bhutan King's Cup 2013: Mohun Bagan Academy & United Sikkim FC to participate Sportskeeda. Retrieved 1 September 2021
  46. ^ "2nd Division League Starts in Feb '14". Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  47. ^ "Wahingdoh prove 'two' good for Kalighat MS". aiff.com. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  48. ^ "Kalighat drub United Sikkim". assamtribune.com. Retrieved 15 July 2019.
  49. ^ "2nd Division League Starts in Feb '14". Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 10 February 2014.
  50. ^ "2nd Div League: Teams Qualified". Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 18 February 2014.
  51. ^ "ROYAL WAHINGDOH ARE SECOND DIVISION CHAMPIONS". I-League. 11 April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2014. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
  52. ^ "2014 I-League 2nd Division final round". globalsportsarchive.com. Global Sports Archive. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 12 May 2021.
  53. ^ "India need better system, not big names as coaches: Baichung Bhutia". Zee News. Retrieved 18 December 2014.
  54. ^ Bhaichung Bhutia shuts down former I-League club United Sikkim FC The Hindustan Times. Retrieved 29 July 2021
  55. ^ "16th Aaha! RARA Gold Cup". GoalNepal.com. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  56. ^ "Sudeva and Sreenidhi granted playing rights in Hero I-League from 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively". www.the-aiff.com. Archived from the original on 7 May 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  57. ^ "Sudeva FC becomes first club from Delhi to play in I-League". The Times of India. 12 August 2020. Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
  58. ^ "United Sikkim revived, Bhutia says aim is to bring ISL into state". Sportstar.
  59. ^ a b "Jersey of USFC officially launched in Kolkata". iSikkim. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  60. ^ Mangar, Nirmal. "Cheers at home fail to yield goals". Telegraph India. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  61. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com.
  62. ^ "Paljor Stadium, Sikkim to host I-League matches". Seven Sister Post. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 16 September 2012.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  63. ^ "Paljor Stadium Gangtok News". localgymsandfitness.com. Archived from the original on 16 December 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  64. ^ Goalie365. "Sikkim Football Association released the fixture for 2018 Sikkim Premier Division League at football house in Gangtok". Goalie365.com. Archived from the original on 22 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  65. ^ "PREMIER DIVISION S-LEAGUE 2019: KUMAR SPORTING FC 2-2 UNICORN FC AND SIKKIM AAKRAMAN FC 5-0 UNITED SIKKIM FC". goalie365.com. 31 August 2019. Archived from the original on 8 July 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  66. ^ "USFC concludes training for Kalinga Cup & 2nd Div I-League". iSikkim. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  67. ^ "How Bhaichung's United Sikkim FC qualified for the I league?". iSikkim. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  68. ^ "United Sikkim qualify for next edition's I-League Football". iSikkim. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  69. ^ "Sikkim Himalayan SC starts pre-season training to focus on young players". sikkimexpress.com. The Sikkim Express. Archived from the original on 29 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  70. ^ "Durand Cup: Shivajians FC face 'Himalayan' task". m.timesofindia.com. The Times of India. Archived from the original on 17 December 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  71. ^ All you need to know about football league structure in Sikkim Goal.com. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  72. ^ Gangtok Himalayan SC vs United Sikkim (Sikkim Gold Cup 2019) Soccerway.com. Retrieved 7 May 2021
  73. ^ Bhaichung Bhutia launches United Sikkim in new avatar The Times of India. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  74. ^ http://isikkim.com/2013-10-united-sikkim-fc-kokkivo-apparel-tie-up-21-7/ United Sikkim FC, Kokkivo Clothing apparel tie-up
  75. ^ "CFL: IFA ropes in new title sponsor". indiafooty.com. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  76. ^ Feb 1, Nilesh Bhattacharya | TNN |; 2011; Ist, 22:45. "Former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan coach Stanley Rozario will take charge of United Sikkim FC this week. The football club is owned by India captain Baichung Bhutia. - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 June 2020.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  77. ^ "Belgium's Rider joins United Sikkim Football Club as a coach". I Sikkim. I Sikkim. 3 December 2011. Retrieved 24 December 2011.
  78. ^ Chaudhuri, Arunava (3 March 2012). "Interview with Philippe de Ridder - United Sikkim FC coach". www.sportskeeda.com.
  79. ^ Correspondent, Principal (21 May 2012). "de Ridder — innovative coach" – via www.thehindu.com.
  80. ^ Higgs, Paddy. "Australian coach Nathan Hall nears Indian I-League appointment". Goal.com. Retrieved 10 December 2012.
  81. ^ Michael Rodríguez debutó con victoria en el futbol de la India Archived 2014-10-22 at the Wayback Machine - Everardo Herrera (in Spanish)
  82. ^ Pérez Zeledón refuerza su defensa con Michael Rodríguez y colombiano Andrés Santamaría Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine - Al Día (in Spanish)
  83. ^ "Pune FC 1-0 United Sikkim". Pune Football Club. Retrieved 28 September 2012.
  84. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 3 February 2012. Retrieved 21 February 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  85. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 11 April 2012. Retrieved 25 February 2012.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  86. ^ "Sikkim Himalayan SC has technically won the Sikkim Premier League title with one more game to go". goalie365.com. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
  87. ^ "Manang defeats United Sikkim to enter finals". www.bbs.bt. Bhutan Broadcasting Service. 8 August 2013. Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  88. ^ Chaudhuri, Arunava. "List of Winners/Runners-Up of the Bordoloi Trophy". indianfootball.de. Archived from the original on 11 December 2021. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  89. ^ "GSA, GFC bracing up for Bordoloi Trophy". The Assam Tribune. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2016.

External links[]

Official websites[]

Retrieved from ""