Former Dagenham & Redbridge captain reflects on pre-season campaign so far

Sporting Bengal United manager Anwar Uddin is pleased with how pre-season training has gone so far.

The former West Ham United youngster became manager of the Essex Senior League club in May, but is happy with progress.

Although Bengal have only been training for a short while, they played a friendly against Football Beyond Borders last weekend and romped to a 9-1 victory.

“It has been an experience for me these last few weeks. It has been nice to go back home to the 3G pitch at Stepney,” said Uddin.

“That is where it all started for me in terms of my football career, but pre-season has been good.

“We have had so many numbers turning up for training and a lot of the players from last season have returned, plus loads of new people.”

Uddin has had the challenge of managing various players who are currently fasting for Ramadan and believes it has brought out a positive effect from his squad.

He added: “I have been really impressed with the attitude of the players. We have had some of the hottest days of the year and lads are turning up fasting and still wanting to do everything.

“People are turning up who aren’t fasting as well, but they have an understanding for those that are and it is brilliant to see.

“It’s far from ideal having players fasting, but the way everyone has handled it has already united us and it has added to the team ethic at the club.”