Non-League and Academy football writer

I recently caught up with Sporting Bengal United Reserves manager Anamul Haque, following the end of a hugely successful debut 2024/25 season in the FA Pyramid for Sporting Bengal’s Reserve side, in the Essex Alliance Football League. Champions of the Premier Division West (step 8), Sporting Bengal’s Reserve side also reached the final of the Premier Division Cup, and following their Premier Division West title, they also competed in the Premier Division play-off, which they lost to Greengate District, in late May of this year.

What were your expectations at the beginning of the 2024/25 season?

Anamul: My expectations at the beginning of the season were probably to finish in the top half of the table, and to just really learn and adapt to the league in preparation for this season coming (2025/26). I was supported really well by John Akaly, my assistant, and the management team. And, the board supported me all the way last season, and I’d like to thank them for that. 

What did you make of the season just gone, for Sporting Bengal United Reserves?

Anamul: We had a very unexpectedly successful season. Every manager in any league hopes for the best when they start the season, and we prepared for the season well. But, wow! The lads really delivered last season, and it was a very successful season for the Sporting Bengal reserve team, with us winning the league (Premier Division West) comfortably, as well as reaching two cup finals. And those cup finals were our league cup final, and also the Premier Division play-off final. 

Although we unfortunately lost both of our cup finals, regardless of that I really couldn’t have asked for any more from everybody involved with the team. 

What are some of your standout memories of the 2024/25 season?

Anamul: I would say that playing and winning against some really good teams in both the league and in cup competitions, stands out. We comfortably beat some very good teams, and that was down to the players really stepping up. In one game against Inter Newbury, we won 3-1, with Abid Haque scoring such an important equaliser. But, there’s other things and achievements, like Umar Abdullah getting probably the most assists out of the whole squad, as well as scoring some very important goals.

My back four was outstanding throughout the season, as was our goalkeeper, Alfie Murray. In fact for the Premier Division cup final, Alfie got injured with five games remaining of last season. We did get a replacement goalkeeper, who did well, but Alfie did play the final versus Inter Newbury, even though he might not have been 100% fit. In that final with Inter Newbury, two of our players were carrying injuries, with two other players missing that final completely, because of injury. But, apart from that outstanding Inter Newbury winner on the night, there was nothing between the two teams.

Who was the best team that you faced last season?

Anamul: By far, Greengate District were the best team that we faced last season. They deservedly won their division, and they also deservedly beat us in the final of the Premier Division play-off.

What are some of your thoughts ahead of Sporting Bengal United Reserves entering the Senior Division of the Essex Alliance Football League for the first time?

Anamul: It’s another challenge ahead for us, and it’s one that we are already preparing for. There will be some new additions to the team, as well as key players staying for next season. Players who have contacted me, wanting to join the team, they can see that this team is looking hungry again for next season.

I’d like to mention players like Nasir Uddin, Tanvir Syed Ahmed, Umar Abdullah, Ricardo Joseph, who are just some of the whole squad, who I’d like to show my appreciation to. Also, my assistant manager John Akaly, and also the people behind the scenes, like the people who work in admin and who do the socials, they are all people who I’d like to thank. We are all looking forward to next season in the Senior Division.

Sporting Bengal United Reserves 2024/25:

Goalkeepers: Alfie Murray and Toby Emerson.

Defenders: Stefan Kilron, Arshad Kizito, Andrea Caio, Ricardo Joseph, Chadrac Lama, Janae Phipps, Omario Rosen, Duwane Thomas.

Midfielders: Umar Abdullah, Tanvir Syed Ahmed, Khedir Elias, Abid Haque, Nasir Uddin.

Forwards/wingers: Ouail Akrirout and Emmanuel Olasehinde. 

Manager: Anamul Haque.

Assistant manager: John Akaly.