‘Bajpakhi’ (falcon) is back! His welcome to Kolkata Premier League after four years has been designed with such an interesting poster by ASOS Rainbow Athletic Club.

He is Shilton Paul, the best goalkeeper awardee in the I-League in 2018 for Mohun Bagan. Even at 35, this lanky and stout custodian is motivating himself to deliver the best as he used to do for the Green and Maroon brigade.

After leaving Mohun Bagan in 2019-20, Shilton joined Churchill Brothers and exhibited the same consistency for two next seasons. He was given the honor of the team's captaincy. But, being a father of a newborn baby it was difficult for him to stay away from his family for long. 

He would have experienced a soothing return to Kolkata last season as a deal with ATK Mohun Bagan was all set to be done. But it did not click finally and Shilton, after completing his second stint with Churchill, thought of saying goodbye to football. 

Speaking to Parallel Sports Shilton explained, “I did not have any such club after Mohun Bagan where I could get some respect. That was the key reason I joined Churchill Brothers and then I thought of quitting. Still, I decided to sign ASOS Rainbow due to some key interesting points.”

Shilton explained, “Firstly, The club which is run by Aditya Group is just not taking part in the Premier League this season. They have a modern vision. They have already set up a residential football school. They are nurturing the youth and grass-route development program in such a unique way. Secondly, Most of the Premier League teams have appointed coaches who are former international footballers from Bengal."

"We have Debjit Ghosh. His understanding and analytical ability are amazing. That has also helped me to join Rainbow and the third key factor is the rebirth of Kolkata Premier League this season where there will no foreign footballer and we will be witnessing a bunch of potential Indian footballers including the promising from Bengal also.” 

Shilton, along with his performance will also work as the mentor of the team’s goalkeepers. He said, “I run two coaching centers, at Ashoknagar and Gobordanga. But due to a lack of proper financial assistance, it becomes difficult for me to run in the way it should be. But here at ASOS Rainbow, I have plans in the future to approach if any center of excellence exclusively for goalkeepers can be introduced. I often dream of producing goalkeepers of international standards in future. There is no dearth of talent in Bengal. We have to nurture them properly."