ISL: Carl McHugh extends contract with ATK Mohun Bagan

Last season, the 28-year-old played in 21 games for the Mariners registering 109 tackles, 39 clearances, and 32 interceptions in addition to two assists.

ATK Mohun Bagan, the finalists of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2020-21, announced on Friday that star midfielder Carl McHugh’s contract has been extended, which means he will once again wear the Green and Maroon jersey. The Mariners will compete in the AFC Cup (Group D, South Zone) soon.

“I am happy that the club management has asked me to sign a new contract. A long season is ahead. I am preparing to give my best. Like other footballers, I am also hungry to win the trophy. Last time I couldn’t, this time I want to win all the tournaments.” McHugh told the ATKMB media team after his contract extension.

Advertisement

Last season, the 28-year-old played in 21 games for the Mariners, registering 109 tackles, 39 clearances, and 32 interceptions in addition to two assists. McHugh played in only six games for ATK FC during their trophy-winning campaign in the 2019-20 Hero ISL due to injury. He only has one Hero ISL goal to his name, which he scored for ATK FC.

McHugh was a part of Motherwell FC in Scotland before moving to India. He has also played extensively in England, representing clubs such as Reading FC, Plymouth Argyle, and Bradford City.

In the 2012-13 season, the Irishman was a part of the Bradford club that overcame all odds to reach the League Cup final. It was the first time a fourth-tier club in England had played in the prestigious cup final in over 51 years.

With the additions of Liston Colaco, Amrinder Singh, Joni Kauko, Deepak Tangri, Ashutosh Mehta, Hugo Boumous, and Bidyananda Singh, as well as McHugh’s contract extension, ATK Mohun Bagan have made it clear that they are aiming for silverware in 2021-22 season, be it the AFC Cup or the Hero ISL.