Former West Ham United youngster takes over Essex Senior League club

Barking and Dagenham Post: Tower Hamlets and Sporting Bengal in action against one another earlier in the season (pic: Tim Edwards)Tower Hamlets and Sporting Bengal in action against one another earlier in the season (pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

Sporting Bengal United appointed former Dagenham & Redbridge captain Anwar Uddin as their new manager last week and he wants to make them the pride of the East End.

The Mile End club finished bottom of the Essex Senior League this season after winning just five league matches.

Mamun Chowdhury, who had been in charge for six years, decided to call it a day as Bengal boss after the conclusion of the current campaign.

And Uddin, who has been working for Kick It Out, had previously been assistant manager at Ryman North side Maldon & Tiptree.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Sporting Bengal players try to keep a Tower Hamlets rival at bay in their derby match (pic: Tim Edwards)Sporting Bengal players try to keep a Tower Hamlets rival at bay in their derby match (pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

The 33-year-old was on the books at West Ham as a youngster before achieving great success with Daggers at Victoria Road.

Uddin led them from the Conference Premier to League One football during a six-year stay and was the first Bangladeshi to play in the Football League.

In 2012 Uddin helped form the Bengal academy and he has been a major part of the Mile End club over the last couple of years.

He said: “I have always had a close association with Sporting Bengal, being born and brought up in east London and supporting the Bangladesh Football Association throughout my 15-year professional career.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Sporting Bengal attack against Tower Hamlets in their derby clash (pic: Tim Edwards)Sporting Bengal attack against Tower Hamlets in their derby clash (pic: Tim Edwards) (Image: Archant)

“Having started the Sporting Academy three years ago and watched the children involved develop and flourish in a football environment, it is with great enthusiasm that I take on the challenge of managing the senior team.

“I want to see Sporting progress and become the pride of the East End. It’ll be an exciting challenge to develop the club further and maintain the club’s community principles and philosophy.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to Mamun and all the previous Sporting managers and staff who have contributed to establishing and progressing this club. I ask the community for their continued support and to join me on what will be an amazing journey.”

Bengal also congratulated Chowdhury on his achievements, which included reaching the final of the Essex Senior League Cup last year where they lost 1-0 to Great Wakering Rovers.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Tower Hamlets celebrate after beating Thurrock 2-1 to win the Essex Senior League Reserve Shield (pic: Peter Dudley).Tower Hamlets celebrate after beating Thurrock 2-1 to win the Essex Senior League Reserve Shield (pic: Peter Dudley). (Image: Archant)

A statement read: “We would like to thank Mamun and his back-room team for all their efforts and many achievements. We wish him all the best for the future.

“Some of his achievements include taking Sporting to the League Cup final, amassing their highest points total and winning the UK Asian Championship.”

Meanwhile their Mile End neighbours, Tower Hamlets reserve team, ended the season with success by beating Thurrock 2-1 in the final of the Essex Senior League Reserve Shield at Great Wakering’s Burroughs Park on Sunday.

Lamar Earle opened the scoring on 27 minutes with an impressive lobbed effort, but Harry McLean was sent off six minutes later for the Mile End club.

Adama Bamba doubled their lead with a long range strike in the 59th minute and, although Thurrock pulled one back, Tower Hamlets held on for the win.