The former Indian National centre-back, Anas Edathodika, has successfully completed his move to Jamshedpur FC ahead of the Indian Super League Season 2021/22. The Kerala born player is not a completely new face at the club as Anas has previously represented the Men of Steel in their debut season (2017-18) under the guidance of Steve Coppell.
In the Player’s Draft, the regulations for the 2017–18 Indian Super League season allowed each club to have a minimum of 15 Indian players and a maximum of 18. The draft had a total of 15 rounds. Jamshedpur FC, making their debut in the ISL, had the first pick in both the first and second rounds. In the very first round of the Player’s Draft, the club chose to pick Team India’s centre-back, Anas Edathodika, to the squad thus making him the first ever Indian player to be signed by Jamshedpur FC in their ISL history and that’s how on 23rd July 2017, Anas became a part of the Men of Steel squad.
He made his debut for the club during the first-ever match on 18 November 2017 against NorthEast United. Head Coach Steve Coppell included Anas in the starting XI and he defended the goal with all his might for the entire duration of the game as Jamshedpur drew 0–0 against a very attack minded NorthEast United. The Keralite has featured in a total of 10 games for the Men of Steel in his first season, clocking in a total of 715 minutes on the field for the club including all the competitions the club has played in. The club narrowly missed out on finishing in the top 4 positions to the play-offs on their final matchday of the league. Despite missing out on the qualification, Anas Edathodika was fierce in all his performances in his time at the club, helping the team finish 5th in their debut season of ISL.
The centre-back has made his way back to the club for the 2021-22 season of the ISL, and is optimistic about the upcoming season with Jamshedpur FC led by Head Coach, Owen Coyle.
"It's great to be back in Jamshedpur. I had a good experience in my previous season here where I felt the unconditional love of the fans. I look forward to the new season and want to achieve success for the fans. I wish to complete my unfulfilled dream with the club by helping us win the ISL trophy. We missed out narrowly the last time I was here and want to make amends”, expressed an extremely delighted Anas Edathodika as he reminisced about his previous experience at the club.
Needless to say, with a rejuvenated body and mind, Anas is all set to step onto the pitch in the red and blue colors of Jamshedpur FC and make the best out of every opportunity that comes his way.
Stay tuned to our website for more updates on further signing announcements.
