Kerala Blasters announced on Monday that Canadian striker Iain Hume will be representing the two-time finalists in the next season of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Hume, who is the all-time top scorer in the ISL with 23 goals across three seasons, was a part of the Kerala franchise in the first season of the tournament before moving to ATK.
Hume, the all-time record goalscorer in ISL history, was present at the ISL 2017 draft along with his agent Baljit Rihal. Kerala Blasters had talks with the Canadian striker on the sidelines of the draft and that is believed to have sealed the deal.
Kerala Blasters were the fourth lowest spenders in the draft yesterday, with local lad Rino Anto, experienced campaigner Arata Izumi and Indian team regular Jackichand Singh being the star acquisitions. They had already retained CK Vineeth and Sandesh Jhingan before the draft, and Hume's signing promises to make Kerala's three-pronged attack of Vineeth, Jacki and the Canadian a salivating prospect.
32-year-old Hume played for the Blasters in the first season of the ISL, leading them to the final where the Yellows lost to Atletico de Kolkata. The former Leicester City striker then moved to ATK and played two seasons in Kolkata, winning the title last year. Hume has scored 23 ISL goals, six more than any other player in the history of the popular franchise league.
The ISL will be played over a longer period this season with weekend matches and a winter break. With ten teams in the fold, the league will see more Indian players in a starting eleven than in previous seasons.
Hume is a legend of the ISL. He could be said to be the face of the ISL's early years, a foreign acquisition who outscored everyone on the pitch. With the retooling of the ISL, it has transpired that Hume would be consigned to the past.
Having ended his short contract with ATK at the end of last season, Hume was always expected to return to the ISL. His move to Kerala Blasters had also been heavily anticipated, but former head coach Steve Coppell's exit caused a few delays. That is now history as Hume becomes a Kerala player.
The Canada international can play alone up front or with a partner. He runs the hard yards to help out in defence, something that his new strike partner also has in spades. WIth Hume in tandem with Vineeth, Kerala Blasters fans can hope for a good time next season under Rene Meulensteen.
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