Chennaiyin FC have signed Edwin Vanspaul from reigning Hero I-League champions Chennai City FC, the club announced on Friday. He joins the club on a two-year deal.

Born and brought up in Tamil Nadu, Edwin rapidly rose up the ladder playing local football and caught the eyes of former Chennai City head coach Robin Charles Raja, who signed Edwin after a brief trial back in 2016. He would soon go onto establish himself as one of the mainstays in the team.

Edwin, however, realized his true potential under Akbar Nawas and played a crucial role in Chennai City's Hero I-League 2018-19 triumph. The 26-year-old made 20 appearances for Chennai City during the season and notched up four assists.

Though primarily a central midfielder, Edwin has the ability to play across the midfield, on the wings and even as a wing back. During his formative years, Edwin has also operated as a striker. His versatility makes him a potent weapon in any coach's armoury and it will be interesting to see how John Gregory utilizes him next season.

“I feel I have made the right move in my career, at the right time. I always believe that learning never stops and I look forward to learning more with my new teammates under Head Coach John Gregory. And having familiar faces around me like Sabir (Pasha) Coach, (Dhanpal) Ganesh and (Sinivasan) Pandiyan will surely help me. I am also waiting to connect with the fans of the club and repaying their support with good performances on the pitch,” Edwin told the official Chennaiyin FC website after completing the formalities.

Edwin played for Indian Bank from 2009 to 2012, where he was coached by Syed Sabir Pasha, who is currently the assistant coach at Chennaiyin. “I remember Edwin being a raw talent at Indian Bank. He has come a long way since then and has always showcased the eagerness to learn. He is a technically strong player and we expect him to hit the ground running next season,” said Pasha.

Besides Pasha, Edwin will also have some familiar faces in the Chennaiyin dressing room, having played alongside the likes of Dhanpal Ganesh, Karanjit Singh and Sinivasan Pandiyan in Chennai City colours in the past.

Current Chennaiyin head coach John Gregory was elated with the latest addition to the squad and said, “Edwin brings versatility and experience to our ranks. He was a pivotal player in Chennai City’s title winning side. And being from Tamil Nadu himself, he will be well aware of the responsibilities that come with representing a team from the state. We’re truly delighted to have him on board.”

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Chennaiyin FC 2018-2019