Mohun Bagan Super Giant defender Tom Aldred made a memorable debut for the Indian Super League (ISL) club in their opening game of the Durand Cup 2024 against Downtown Heroes FC. Aldred, donning the captain’s armband, played a pivotal role in securing a 1-0 victory and maintaining a clean sheet.

Signed by Mohun Bagan SG during the summer transfer window, Aldred was the only foreign player to feature for the Mariners in the match. Reflecting on his debut, the English defender expressed his pleasure with the result and shared his anticipation for the upcoming game against the Indian Air Force Football Team on Thursday.

“It was good to put on the shirt and represent the club so quickly and get a positive result. We are more prepared now, having been with the team for 10 days, two weeks. So definitely I’m more prepared and ready for this game (against the Indian Air Force FT) than I was for the last. I’m feeling fit, strong, and ready to go,” he said in a press conference.

Aldred mentioned that he has previously faced players such as Dimitri Petratos, Jason Cummings, and new signing Jamie McLaren — who are now his teammates at Mohun Bagan SG. He also spoke to several of his new teammates before moving to India and was impressed by the calibre of Indian players.

“The ISL is a league that’s growing. There are some very good players here. Many talented foreign players have moved to the league. From what I’ve seen so far at Mohun Bagan SG, the Indian players are a very good group. In fact, I have had conversations with some of the (foreign) players about how Indian players could play in Europe. I feel their levels are very good,” Aldred revealed.

Aldred’s career has taken him through England, Scotland, and Australia, with notable stints at Blackpool FC, Motherwell FC, and Brisbane Roar. His move from the A-League marks the latest chapter in his career with Mohun Bagan SG.

Discussing his decision to join the ISL, Aldred said: "Why I came here is to challenge myself. This will be the fourth country I will be playing in now. As a player you want to challenge yourself and get to a stage in your career where you’ve done it in multiple countries. I’ve done it in England, Scotland, Australia, now India which is the next challenge for me. I’m at that stage where I feel strong, ready and excited for the ISL and the challenges that have to come at the biggest club in Mohun Bagan SG for me."

Already acclimating to his new surroundings, Aldred has found a new home in Kolkata.

“I am really enjoying it. I’m loving it. It’s a new experience, and I was aware that coming from Australia, where I was in Brisbane, Queensland, this transition would be different. But I’ve moved across the world two or three times now to play for various clubs, and I’m accustomed to change and adapting. It is something I was looking forward to. I’m enjoying living here, adapting to the lifestyle, and meeting the community and people here in Kolkata,” he stated.