Thread by @IndianfootballH

Thread - With their legacy & millions of fans Mohun Bagan & East Bengal have seen several iconic personnel over the years. This list includes players, officials...and groundsmen. Popularly known as "mali" two such groundsmen became legends in their own rights. #IndianFootball

Bhaskar "Bhasiya" Senapati was from Orissa & joined Mohun Bagan in 1937. It was said that Bhasiya gave up offers in Brook Bonds & State Bank so that he could continue to work at Mohun Bagan. His voter identity card had the club address as his home address #IndianFootball

After Mohun Bagan's shattering 5-0 loss in 1975 IFA Shield final he was so sad that he didn't eat for 3 days. Among his favourites were Gostha Pal, Chuni Goswami, Subrata Bhattacharya. He played dual role of "Head mali" & club masseuse #IndianFootball

Upon his 1992 retirement, Bhasiya was given an unprecedented farewell. He was provided a life membership to the club, felicitated by players & officials while he went around the Mohun Bagan ground in front of applauding spectators #IndianFootball

Shankar Pillai joined East Bengal in 1940s & worked for the club for the next six decades. Coaches, players and management changed as East Bengal became one of India’s most successful clubs but Shakar mali remained constant #IndianFootball

A father figure to players he was often called “Shankar baba”. Stars across generations from Manoranjan Bhattacharya to Baichung Bhutia acknowledged his contribution to their careers. When club favourite Samaresh Majumdar left East Bengal, he broke down in tears #IndianFootball

Thanks to his immense contribution to the club, Shankar Mali was given the honour of inaugurating East Bengal’s new club tent on 12th July 1996 in front of club legends like Ahmed Khan & Byomkesh Bose #IndianFootball

cc @OfficialHoIF

Correction: It will be Samaresh Chowdhury