Gavin Smith: “Get rid.”
Luke Keane: “Time to move on. I thought he had potential, but his decision-making is all over the shop.”
Richard Fryer: “Release definitely.”
Paul Lloyd: “Personal opinion on him is, unfortunately (he’s) just not good for the level we are at and the level we are aiming for.”
Such were a few reactions from a few Wolves supporters on East Bengal’s newest sensation: Bright Enobakhare. As saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Twenty-two is a very unlikely age for a player of Bright’s calibre to grace ISL. ISL is more accustomed to providing a retirement package of several yesteryears’ greats – however, occasionally the likes of Bright Enobakhare or Stiven Mendoza change the league’s equation.
Born in the Benin City of Nigeria, Bright moved to the Wolves at 17 and came through their youth system. Though he was widely loved, he did not develop as much as the Manager wanted. As a player coming through the ranks, most of his appearances were as substitutes and he was later loaned to Kilmarnock. The loan stint was unsuccessful. He moved to Coventry City and helped them to a Championship win. Wigan expressed loan interest, however, again his stint at Wigan was not successful.
Finally, after 5 years in Wolves contract, Bright Enobakhare left England and joined AEK Athens in 2020. He only played for a few minutes.
When he joined East Bengal, the usual skeptics and pundits, were as usual salivating. Maybe here comes their next “Bal-Costa”, “Bal-Leko” – after all, the CV to date was not outstanding. Much to the disappointment of the critics, Bright came, and Bright lit up the stadium. A backmarker team is now dreaming of a turnaround with his Midas touch. At 22, he has a long career ahead and surely is a notch above the current ISL standard. Silken smooth touches and turns, smooth acceleration, grace, and poise – makes him stand out from the rest in the field.
Every East Bengal fan’s wish is now to see him for a longer time and feel his magic in-person, on-field. If he decides to stay put, he can very well be the next Odafa (at a probably even higher standard) in Indian football.
