Former Dagenham & Redbridge captain has enjoyed fine first season with Mile End club

East London Advertiser: A Sporting Bengal player gets off a shot against Ilford (pic: Tim Edwards)A Sporting Bengal player gets off a shot against Ilford (pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

Anwar Uddin believes his management team are slowly creating an identity to be proud of at Sporting Bengal United.

The Mile End Stadium club have enjoyed an upturn in results this season following a poor 2014/15 campaign.

With two more matches remaining in the Essex Senior League, they only need either two draws or one win to set a record points total for the season.

Last year, during Mamum Chowdhury’s final campaign in charge, they were bottom of the table with just 16 points to their name.

Before that they had finished 14th, 11th and 10th – achieving a total of 44 points twice and Uddin is pleased with their progress.

He said: “We have two games left and we’ve had some horrendous fixture scheduling, but we’ve always taken a minimum of 14 players to every game.

“Even that is an achievement because we had struggled as a club in the past to do that, especially last year. It is the start of us creating a decent identity.

“I think we had lost it a little bit and when that happens you lose respect. There are some fantastic coaches, managers and clubs at this level and if you are not able to fill the bench I think it is disrespectful.

“If you are in this division, the minimum requirement you need is to have a full team turning up and I’m pleased we have done that all season.”

Bengal have also helped develop a number of footballers in the local area and offered them opportunities higher up the ladder.

Imedd Kartia joined Ryman Premier outfit Enfield Town last month and has blossomed with the north Londoners.

Teo Borozam and Lewis Lockyer are two other players to feature for bigger clubs this season much to the delight of their manager.

Uddin added: “We’ve had Imedd Kartia playing for Enfield in the Ryman Premier over the last few weeks and he’s done brilliantly. Teo was with Witham Town, but after Garry Kimble left he decided to come back to us because he was comfortable playing under me.

“Also Torlochan Singh and Jordan Meikle are a couple others that have been set to feature for Ryman teams before they were injured. Lewis has played four times for East Thurrock in the Ryman Premier so it’s great we have had boys step up and do well.”