Looking back at when Bhaichung Bhutia played for Bury

The legendary Indian captain got the opportunity to play for an English side back in his playing days.

Bhaichung Bhutia is one of the greatest footballers India has produced. The "Sikkimese Sniper" is primarily remembered for his contributions to Indian football at club and national levels, but he also had a brief playing stint at Bury Football Club in England.

The former Indian national team skipper played for major Indian football clubs such as East Bengal, JCT, Mohun Bagan, etc., but there is a European stint in there that a lot of people sometimes forget about. Between 1999 and 2002, Bhaichung Bhutia was part of the English professional football club, Bury FC. The club has been in the news of late after facing expulsion from the English Football League (EFL) after failing to iron out its finances.

He signed a three-year contract with the club and became the first professional footballer from India to sign for a European side. Interestingly, he was only the second Indian ever to play professionally in Europe, following in the footsteps of Mohammed Salim, who played for Scottish club Celtic FC.

Time at Bury FC

Bhaichung Bhutia made his debut for Bury FC on October 3, 1999, against Cardiff City after facing visa issues. His first performance with the Shakers was positive, as his involvement led to a goal. His first goal for the outfit came against Chesterfield on April 15, 2000. By scoring that goal, he became the first Indian to score for a European side in professional football.

Overall, the Arjuna Awardee played 41 games for Bury FC and scored three goals. His last appearance for the English side came against Swindon Town on August 27, 2001. The club was put into administration after suffering financial issues, and Bhutia was released as a result.

Bury FC, the first English club to sign a professional contract with an Indian player, is now non-functional after 125 years of existence. They were expelled after failing to resolve their financial issues. "It’s very sad and unfortunate. They have been having financial issues for quite some time. I am not very surprised by this development. I saw this coming," Bhutia said while reacting to the news.

After his spell with the Shakers in England, Bhaichung Bhutia returned to India and signed for Mohun Bagan. This move angered a lot of East Bengal faithful due to the rivalry between the Kolkata-based clubs.