After so much anticipation and confusion, our mother club East Bengal finally gets to play the ISL 2020-21 under the name SC EASTBENGAL thanks to Shree Cement Foundation and our hon’ble Chief Minister. Within such a less time, it was quite tough to build a nice competitive team. But our management gave an unexpected surprise by appointing Anfield Legend Mr. Robby Fowler as our head coach. A series of more exciting events followed, remarkably the signing of Irish wizard Anthony Pilkington.
Whenever a foreigner from Europe joins some Indian Club it’s a big news. But what if I tell you that our wizard was a regular player of Premier League, and that he has a goal against the mighty Manchester United. And guess what, he even played for the Youth Team of the Red Devils back in 2006! Yes, he ain’t gonna be a normal foreigner, but a totally class recruitment by the coaching brigade led by Sir Fowler. Let’s see some top highlighting points in the career of Anthony Pilkington:
Pilkington had a knack for football since his childhood, and went on to play for Preston Youth Team initially, in 2003. On being spotted by Manchester United scouts in a local game, he was approached for a trial. He eventually got selected for the United’s Youth Team in 2004. A year later he joined Championship side Blackburn Rovers Youth Team. The major breakthrough came when he started his professional career with Stockport County. He has a hat-trick named by his side that he scored against FC United of Manchester with his first club.
Pilkington played for Atherton Collieries, Stockport and Huddersfield before getting long awaited chance to feature in Premier League. There’s when he reached his peak, playing a 8 year spell with two clubs, Norwich City and Cardiff City. The best version of the Irish Wizard was seen with Norwich, where in his debut season he scored some crucial goals including the winning goal against Manchester United that Norwich won by 1-0 margin. Till 2014, Pilkington played an irreplaceable role for the Norwich side, after which he joined the Welsh capital Cardiff City. In 2016, he was the highest scorer for the side in that particular season. Over 5 years spell, Pilkington appeared for 103 times for the Welsh capital scoring 20 goals before moving to Wigan Athletic in 2019. And here he is now, with us to don the Red and Gold jersey in ISL 2020.
Anthony Pilkington is an attacking midfielder, often comfortable playing as a shadow striker or at the right of the forward line. He also has 9 international appearances till date for Republic of Ireland. His vision and Physicality provides advantage near the opponent’s penalty area. With the likes of Jacques Maghoma, he is going to lead our attacks. Let’s hope we get to see the best version of our wizard, and may he brings all success to this club. Joy EastBengal.
Image Source : SC Eastbengal Twitter handle
