North East Stars defender Glenton Wolfe is set to join India’s top football league where he would team-up with his younger brother, 30-year-old Anthony Wolfe, at I-League outfit Churchill Brothers FC for the upcoming 2014-2015 season.
Glenton, who is expected to join Churchill Brothers within the coming week, said he has already agreed to a three-year deal, which expires at the end of the 2016-2017 season.
It would be the 32-year-old Glenton’s first move outside of Trinidad and Tobago, but the fifth T&T player to ever ply the trade in the I-League.
In 2008 former San Juan Jabloteh defender and T&T 2006 World Cup player Cyd Gray represented Pune FC but his stint in the I-League was short-lived because of a broken leg during league play. In 2012 another T&T 2006 WC player, Caledonia AIA midfielder Densill Theobald, was part of Dempo SC I-League 2011-2012 championship winning team.
Cornell Glen became the third T&T 2006 WC player at the I-League representing Shillong Lajong in 2013-2014, and is expected to re-join the club for the upcoming season, while Anthony Wolfe became the fourth T&T 2006 WC player at the I-League when he joined Churchill Brothers last December as the club needed a boost in offence.
But a 12th position finish by Churchill Brothers last season, only avoiding relegation by one point, also meant that the 2008-2009 and 2012-2013 I-League champions had defensive problems – something that’s plaguing every team in the league.
Now on the recommendation of utility player Anthony, Churchill Brothers will boast the versatile hard-man Glenton Wolfe, who can comfortably hold positions in left or central defence, and has the ability and experience to perhaps fill a defensive-midfield role.
As expected, Glenton expressed excitement over his first move outside Trinidad and Tobago after decade at the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League.
“I’m really excited,” said the Manzanilla-born defender. “This is the first time I would move abroad after a long time in the game. And excited to experience a different country and culture.
“The club (Churchill Brothers) wanted a defender and my brother (Anthony) recommended me. They requested video recordings of me, and my football résumé. They were impressed enough and actually wanted me to join the club earlier this year but I wanted to finish the season with North East Stars.
Time apart from his girlfriend and 4-year-old son Omarie, his much loved home-cooked Trini’ food, and saying goodbye to a club – North East Stars – he holds close to his heart, all comes with the sacrifice.
Glenton made his debut with the T&T Senior Team on May 25, 2005 in a 4-1 win over Bermuda under then head coach Leo Beenhakker. In 2006 under coach Wim Rijsbergen, Glenton teamed up with Anthony for the first time on the national team for an away friendly against Japan.
Glenton, who was also part of North East Stars 2003 FA Trophy and 2004 League winning squads with Anthony, said he is thrilled to play in the I-League alongside his brother.
He added, “We have been teammates for a long time – at North East Stars and even had some time at (San Juan) Jabloteh together. We have a good understanding and we both like to give good energy in training and in games.”
As for North East Stars, Glenton said his departure is “bitter-sweet”.
“It’s a club I’ve always been devoted to. I would always have the club close to my heart. This move [to the I-League] is a good opportunity for me but it’s also a good opportunity for the younger players to step up. So it’s good in both ways,” ended Glenton.