Subhasish Roy Chowdhury

SUBHASISH ROY CHOWDHURY

PRE-ISL

Roy Chowdhury was born 1986 in Kolkata, India. At a young age Roy started his football career in the Tata Football Academy. 18-years-old, he advanced and signed his first professional contract for East Bengal. He only stayed for one year at the club and made no major imprint during his short time.

His decision to sign for Mahindra United in 2006 was the turning point of his career and by his own admission the best phase, as he grew in stature under Derrick Pereira and established himself as one of the best custodians in the country. During this period he broke into the Indian football team, although not as the first choice. In 2008, Chowdhury helped his side win the Durand Cup.

After a successful four-year spell with the jeepmen he successfully went to Goan giants Dempo for a few years. During his time in Dempo he won the I-League for the first time. He was seen as one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the country, known for his anticipation, cool headedness and safe pair of hands.

ISL

In June 2014, Chowdury confirmed he wouldn't return to Dempo and signed for the All India Football Federation's commercial and marketing partners, IMG-Reliance, to play in the Indian Super League. He described the step to Indian Super League as "There are eight teams and a lot of goalkeepers will be around including the foreigners. It will be difficult, but I will fight to give my best."

On 23 July 2014 it was announced that Chowdhury was selected by Atlético de Kolkata in the

2014 ISL Inaugural Domestic Draft in the eleventh round, and thus was heading home for his

hometown. Upon the arrival he expressed his excitement to spend more time with family,

even though he felt anxious about his lack of match practice.

Before the season Atlético de Kolkata went to Madrid for pre-season training at Atletico

Madrids facilities. Chowdhury was delighted with the training sessions and was even more

jubilent when Kolkata was formally presented during Atl. Madrids game against Celta Vigo,

calling it "a dream come true."

Somewhat surprisingly, Chowdhury played Kolkata's first three games, leaving former

PSG goalkeeper Apoula Edel on the bench. The three matches went undeniably good with

two zeros maintained and only one conceled goal. The following matches coach Habas varied the goalie place a bit more and gave Edel the chance for a couple of matches.

However, Chowdhury returned as the first choice and played four matches in a row. During this run he was a bit more unlucky with five conceled goals, though he did keep two clean sheets. He played his last game for Kolkata on November 21, 2014 against Kerala Blasters, and were displaced to a bench seat for the remainder of the season.

POST-ISL

As the tournament ended, Roy Chowdhury decided to stay in Kolkata and signed for I-League runners-up East Bengal.