Jamie Maclaren Reflects on Mohun Bagan's Historic ISL Double Victory
Maclaren's Impact on Mohun Bagan's Success
New Delhi, July 16: Jamie Maclaren, the forward for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, credited the unwavering support from fans as a crucial factor in the team's historic achievement of winning the Indian Super League (ISL) double for the first time.
Joining the Kolkata club for the 2024-25 season, Maclaren faced high expectations. Despite dealing with an injury early in the season, he managed to net 12 goals, becoming the top scorer for the Mariners, as reported by ISL.
With impressive movement, accurate headers, and agile footwork, Maclaren proved to be a valuable asset in the forward line. He also contributed two assists, created 16 chances, and won 31 duels, boasting a goal conversion rate of 34.29%. Most importantly, he consistently scored at critical moments.
In an interview with MBSG TV, he expressed, “I believe I stepped up when it mattered. Scoring the winner in the final was a dream come true, and achieving the double with such a fantastic group of people made it even more special.”
When asked about his favorite goal in the MBSG jersey, Maclaren highlighted two strikes for different reasons.
“Emotionally, the final stands out because it was such a significant match. It wasn’t a spectacular goal, but it was typical of my style, where I anticipated a chance. I knew Greg (Stewart) would deliver the ball, and I had to be ready. The celebration showed how much I had been waiting for that moment all year, especially in front of our fans,” he shared.
“From a quality perspective, my goal in Kochi was remarkable. It involved a flick from Apuia to Jason (Cummings), and within a few touches, we scored. Such seamless play is rare in world football, making it one of my career highlights,” he added.
In Kolkata, scoring in derbies holds a special significance, and Maclaren achieved that as well.
“Scoring in the derbies was incredible, especially in front of a massive crowd. That’s a big reason I joined the club—because of the fans,” he noted.
The 31-year-old expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received from fans every time he donned the Green and Maroon jersey.
“I love warming up and hearing the crowd cheer my name. It boosts my confidence, knowing we need to deliver for them. They work hard during the week, and it’s our job to bring them joy,” he said.
Maclaren appreciated playing in front of such passionate supporters, emphasizing that MBSG’s rich legacy and enthusiastic fan base are the club's heart.
“Wearing this jersey carries weight. Every time we don the badge and those vibrant colors, we represent many people. Not many clubs in India or worldwide have such a dedicated fan base. Other than the World Cup, I haven’t experienced an atmosphere like this,” he remarked.
Despite a successful season, challenges arose for Mohun Bagan Super Giant, but Maclaren felt the fans played a pivotal role in overcoming tough moments.
“In crucial matches, like against Odisha FC, when we needed points to secure the Shield, the fans truly pushed us. Dimi (Petratos) scored a fantastic goal at home, and those moments highlight how our supporters have helped us succeed. Few teams can compete in Kolkata due to the intimidating presence of our fans, with 60,000-70,000 cheering for us. We aim to deliver for them, and their support gives us the extra energy to push through,” he concluded.