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What’s the story?
According to sources, former Manchester United defender Wes Brown is likely to take up the captain’s armband for the Kerala Blasters FC, as the upcoming ISL 2017 season is all set to get underway.
In case you didn’t know?
The Kerala Blasters have been the second most successful team in the ISL, which has so far existed for three seasons. However, they are yet to win the tournament, having finished runners up to ATK, who were formerly known as Atletico de Kolkata.
Now, the Blasters have amassed a formidable squad ahead of the upcoming season, with stars like ex-Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov leading the attacking line. The Bulgarian striker will be joined by able attackers like Iain Hume and CK Vineeth.
Heart of the matter
With Brown set to lead the Kochi-based side, Canadian striker Iain Hume will deputise the former Red Devils star, while India national team centreback Sandesh Jhingan will be the third choice captain for the Blasters, sources within the club said to Sportskeeda.
Hume has already made himself popular with the fiercely loyal Kerala fans, having spent the first season in Kochi. Although he went on to play for rivals ATK in the previous seasons, he is now back in the Blaasters’ ranks.
Jhingan, on the other hand, has become one of the best centrebacks in India over the last three years. What makes him all the more endearing to the Kerala faithful is that he has never switched clubs in the ISL. However, he has gone on to play for the likes of DSK Shivajians and Bengaluru FC in the I-League.
What’s next?
The Blasters are all set for the upcoming ISL season, as they go head-to-head against old foes ATK in their opening match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in Kochi, on Friday. They will be looking to get their revenge over ATK, for the defeat that the Kolkata-side inflicted upon them in last season’s final.
Author’s take
Brown is an experienced player, who has played at the top level for some time. His leadership qualities could help the Blasters go one better than last season. To add to that, the likes of Hume and Jhingan, who have also shown leadership qualities can help the former Manchester United man out, in his leadership role.
