Indian Super League newcomers SC East Bengal announced on Saturday the signing of Anthony Pilkington and Aaron Holloway ahead of the 2020/21 season.

The duo of Irish winger Anthony Pilkington and Welsh-Nigerian centre-forward Aaron Amadi-Holloway had flown with new SC East Bengal head coach Robbie Fowler from England via Mumbai to Goa, where they currently are under quarantine at the team hotel ahead of starting onfield training.

32 year old Blackburn-born Anthony Neil James Pilkington at youth level played for Preston North End, Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers.

At senior level, Anthony Pilkington signed his first professional contract at Stockport County (2006-2009) and went on to play for Huddersfield Town (2009-2011), Norwich City (2011-2014), Cardiff City (2014-2019) and Wigan Athletic (2019/20) in the English league system.

Anthony Pilkington, who has made seven appearances for the Republic of Ireland, said, “SC East Bengal is one of the most followed clubs in India, and to don their shirt in the ISL is a matter of pride. I know expectations are always sky high when you are playing for SC East Bengal and I am ready to face the challenge head-on. I am looking forward to working with the gaffer and I believe we have the squad to fight for the title.”

27 year old Cardiff-born Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway is a youth product of Cardiff City FC.

Holloway signed his first professional contract with Bristol City but never played for their first team spending time on loan with Bath City FC. Thereafter he spend time with Newport County AFC, Wycombe Wanderers, Oldham Athletic (on loan), Fleetwood Town, Oldham Athletic, and Shrewsbury Town.

Holloway left English shores in 2019 to join head coach Robbie Fowler at Australian A-League side Brisbane Roar and moves with his coach to India.

Aaron Holloway said, “I am excited to play in India and for SC East Bengal. The club is steeped in history and that what excites me most is their passionate fans. This season, we would have to play in front of empty stands but I can’t wait to play at home with the stadium packed to the rafters.”