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'I hope I can set a trend for Asian footballers'

It is now some six weeks since I arrived in England to join my new club Bury FC at Gigg Lane. On the day I actually arrived at the club, September 30, 1999, there was a lot of publicity surrounding my "historical signing" as some very flatteringly put it. I hope I can set a trend for Asian footballers and be seen as someone they can identify with and emulate.

One question I have often heard asked in England is: why are there so few Asians playing football? There are many players from a Caribbean background playing at all league levels - some have even played for England - but no Asians. So the media interest when I joined was quite intense.

I have had to settle in Bury and try to get used to living in North England where everything differs from what I have been used to. Of course, I am away from the home I have known for a number of years, but I think I have settled well in a house found for me by my club. It is near the ground, which enables me to travel easily to and from work.

I am training hard every day, building up the stamina required to play football at English League level. One must remember that in England, clubs play at least once a week, if not twice, from August until May, and in all weather conditions - whether it is cold and sunny, cold, wet and windy - even snowy conditions. And this is week in and week out. Even during the Christmas period, when most things in England come to a virtual standstill, spectators can always expect to enjoy a game of football because the players are there.

I realise that a lot of people back home must be interested to know how the training is going - well, I find it hard as I am not used to the type of game played in England. The weather often dictates long and high passes as opposed to the quick pace to which I am accustomed. But I am putting all my efforts into this. And here I must gratefully acknowledge the help and support of my mates. I only hope I can score enough goals to justify their faith!

I know my club has high expectations of me, but I am under no pressure whatsoever and am confident that I will be able to perform. So far, I have taken part in every league game since my arrival - perhaps not for all of the game because I still need to reach the full fitness required, but I hope I have been able to demonstrate that I am capable of more. In the meantime, I'm playing full games for the reserve team, and have scored quite a number of goals, so I'm getting there.

Gameplan