ISL 2017: Five former Kerala Blasters players who had successful seasons abroad

Stephen Bywater
Stephen Bywater

Kerala Blasters have been one of the best teams in the ISL so far. Narrowly missing out on the title two times, finishing as runners up two times in the league’s 3-year-old history speaks volumes about Kerala's success in the Indian Super League.

The Sachin Tendulkar co-owned franchise has been one of the most loved franchise’s in India and has one of the biggest fan bases in the country, which can only be rivaled by the fan base of the two Kolkata legacy clubs East Bengal and Mohun Bagan.

Right from the first season the Blasters have been one of the most loved teams in the country and fans love to see them in action, mainly because of the players that played for the club as they have always been a team that probably has had the best of players playing in the league.

Kerala Blasters have always been at the forefront when it comes to signing quality domestic and International players and it is evident from this seasons signings too, where they have two marquee players in their ranks in the form of Wes Brown and Berbatov.

Here, we take a look at five Kerala Blasters FC players, who after their ISL stints, went on to have great spells with other clubs too.

Stephen Bywater

The English goalkeeper was Kerala’s first choice keeper in the 2015 season. He had a positive impact on the team, and helped keep the scores respectable during a lot of games in what turned out to be a forgetful season for Kerala Blasters, as they finished rock bottom of the league and had their manager Peter Reid sacked half way through the tournament.

After his ISL stint Stephen Bywater went back to England to play for Burton Albion in the 2015/16 season. Burton Albion were playing in League One and after the season ended it turned out to be a joyful moment for them as the club was promoted to the Championship.

Andrew Barisic

Andrew Barisic
Andrew Barisic

The former East Bengal striker was singed by Kerala Blasters assistant coach Trevor Morgan, who actually ran the team as player-manager David James was busy playing during the first ISL season.

Andrew Barisic repaid Morgan’s trust him with some brilliant performances during ISL season 1, where most of the times he was used as a substitute. Known for his long-range shots and ability to play as the supporting striker, Andrew Barisic also helped East Bengal win the IFA Shield and reached the AFC CUP semi finals.

After his ISL stint in 2014 he went to play for Hong Kong Side Eastern SC during the 2015-16 season and had a season to remember as Eastern SC became champions of Hong Kong, with Andrew Barisic scoring 12 goals for them.

Colin Falvey

Colin Falvey
Colin Falvey

The Irish defender signed for the Blasters in the inaugural edition of the ISL and played an important part in the Kerala defence. He was instrumental in leading Kerala to their maiden ISL final appearance.

After his ISL stint, Falvey went to Canada to play for Ottawa Fury FC and played in every game for the side, helping them win the NASL (North American Soccer League) fall season. It was the club's first silverware.

Falvey helped Ottawa create a record of having not conceded for a whooping 648 minutes and conceded the fewest goals in the league. Falvey also helped his next club Indy Eleven win the NASL spring championship and make its first ever Soccer Bowl appearance.

Victor Pulga

Victor Pulga was selected by the Kerala Blasters from the ISL international player draft, and had a major role to play for the team from ‘God’s Own Country’. In total, Pulga made 15 appearances in the ISL, and got his name on the scoresheet once. He even made an appearance in the finals of the inaugural ISL, where Kerala were defeated by ATK.

After his ISL stint, Pulga went on to play for Spanish side Club de Fútbol Rayo Majadahonda, who play in the Spanish Segunda División B – Group 1. When Pulga joined the club, they were way down the table and placed at 14, but after the season ended they finished at 4th position, something which was really appreciated.

Renedy Singh

Renedy Singh
Renedy Singh

This is a rather unique mention on our list, but Renedy will always be remembered as the first Indian player to have signed for a European club after playing in the ISL. Renedy Singh is an Indian football legend, having played for a lot of big clubs and wining nearly all domestic Indian trophies. He, like Bhaichung Bhutia, started his playing career at East Bengal and then moved around the country.

After playing for Kerela Blasters, in the 2014 edition Renedy was loaned out to Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia. Even though he didn't make an official appearance for the Bulgarian side, he did make the squad a couple of times and played quiet a few reserve and practice games.

He will always be remembered for being the first Indian to sign for a Bulgarian side. Had this move happened during Renedy's prime, the story could have been completely different, as he was one of those Indian talents who was appreciated by everyone and even the opponents.

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