WE’LL ADD IN UDDIN FOR LIONS
ANWAR UDDIN says it’s a privilege to be asked by Paul Fairclough to be part of England C’s coaching staff for the upcoming Wales C clash – and the former Conference title winner believes Non-League’s Three Lions are a beacon for all players.
The 40-year-old, who won successive promotions with Dagenham & Redbridge as they reached League One, was Fairclough’s captain at Barnet.
Since retiring, Uddin has managed and coached throughout the National League System and, in his day job, is leading force in diversity work throughout the game.
An open-age England C take on Wales C – made up of JD Cymru Premier players – at Caernarfon Town on March 30.
And former Aldershot Town assistant Uddin is relishing the chance to be part of Fairclough’s staff.
“England C is always something I have absolutely loved – the story, the idea of it,” Uddin told The NLP. “I helped put together the England C v Punjab FA fixture at Solihull Moors a few years back – and when I spoke to Paul about getting involved in the Wales fixture, I was like, ‘Wow’.
“Having been in the National League the last three years at Aldershot, and with helping out Maidstone and Southend recently, I feel I know the levels very well.
“To do something like this will be a different experience, but an absolute privilege.”
Uddin has high admiration for the success Fairclough has had with England C over the years, with more than 300 capped players going on to play in the Premier League, EFL or SPL.
Enthusiast
“He’s a football enthusiast, loves the game, and I’ve always respected the work he and his staff have done with England
C to make it what it is,” Uddin said.
“Every single kid playing football thinks about playing for their country. When a career in football becomes a reality, that’s all you think about it.
“But if your career goes into Non-League, to have the opportunity to represent your country is something that is quite rare.
“That’s why I think the England C team is amazing. Anyone who puts a shirt on represents England, represents their country.
Reward
“It’s also a meritocracy. It’s not to make up the numbers. You’re getting it as a reward, you’re getting it because it’s a privilege.To have an opportunity to wear an England shirt, to tell your friends and family you’ve represented your country, is amazing.”
Uddin knows the fixture will be highly competitive and he hopes it will be a celebration, having been cancelled in March 2020 because of the pandemic.
“It’s going to be a fascinating game,” Uddin said. “For me, I’m just really happy the announcement of the game has been made and NonLeague has come together to celebrate it.
“We, as a community, need to make everyone understand that England C is important to us. It’s important it survives, it’s important it evolves, that we keep doing this. What other challenges are out there? Can we travel the world again?
“It’s a privilege to be involved in something that is very unique to Non-League football.”