Alan Gow

Calcutta: Kingfisher East Bengal have decided to sign their former Brazilian striker Edmilson for the rest of the season in place of Scottish recruit Alan Gow, who will be released soon. The club officials informed that Edmilson would sign the contract within a fortnight after he gets accustomed with the team.

“We have taken him on board for the rest of the season in the hope that he will change our dwindling fortunes. He has played for East Bengal before and understands the culture of the club,” said East Bengal secretary Kalyan Majumdar.

Currently registered with second division I-League side, Royal Wahingdoh, Edmilson will have to clear his contractual dues before he signs for East Bengal, club officials said.

On being asked whether the club will take fitness tests of the striker, Majumdar said: “I know that he did not play any matches for Wahingdoh so far this season. But I think he is in a good shape as he is constantly undergoing training with the club. So, the tests will not be necessary.”

Edmilson will be making a comeback to East Bengal after two years and two months. In his first season in 2007-08, he scored many match-winning goals for the team.

However, in the second season, he used to lose his temper easily, and got involved in scuffles with team-mates and coach. His fitness, too, became a concern for the team management and was released in October 2009.