FC Pune City have announced the signing of former Kerala Blasters FC forward Iain Hume. Hero Indian Super League’s top scorer with 28 goals will join the Stallions after an injury-laden 2017-18 campaign with the Blasters.

Individual success in inaugural season

Over the past four years, Hume has established himself as one of the finest players in the league. The Canadian started his Hero ISL career with Kerala Blasters for the inaugural season in 2014. Hume was an integral figure in the Blasters’ camp, leading the side from the front. Despite losing the final against ATK, his five goals and three assists earned him the ‘Hero of the League’ award. 

Ultimate glory with ATK

For the 2015 season, Hume switched base to ATK, where he would go on to raise his goal-scoring standards. The 35-year-old scored an astonishing 11 goals and four assists in 16 games as the Kolkata-based side reached the semi-finals.

However, the 2016 campaign would prove to be Hume’s finest in the Hero ISL. The forward finally got his hands on the coveted trophy after a stunning individual season with ATK. Hume notched up a total of seven goals throughout the campaign, proving to be a vital cog in the side as they lifted their second title.

Fan favourite back at Kerala

After his heroics with ATK, Hume decided to return to his beloved Kerala for another stint during the 2017-18 campaign. While his fourth season in the Hero ISL was tainted by lengthy injury spells, Hume still emerged as the top-scorer for the Blasters with five goals. But his niggling knee injuries during the last campaign forced him to cut-short his stay with the Blasters.

Challengers for the upcoming season

If he can get back to full fitness, Hume will be a valuable addition to Pune’s squad. Alongside Marcelinho and Emiliano Alfaro upfront, the veteran can cause nightmares for opposition defenders with his goalscoring prowess and experience. FC Pune City now possess one of the most lethal forward lines in the country and will be serious contenders for the title when the new season gets underway.

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