CHRIS’ FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS
Flanagan hails tragic captain
ADAM FLANAGAN says he has been left “heartbroken” by the sudden passing of former captain Christian Mbulu – and reckons he was destined for the very top.
The 23-year-old Morecambe defender was found dead after police were called to an address in Cottam, Preston, on Tuesday afternoon.
Mbulu started his career as a 16-year-old academy product at Brentwood Town where Flanagan made him the club’s youngest ever captain at the age of
18.
After helping the Essex club to the Isthmian
North title, Mbulu attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Swansea
City, Watford and Crystal Palace before eventually linking up with Neil Harris at Millwall, where he spent three seasons.
Upon his release in 2017-18, Mbulu signed a one-year contract at SPL club Motherwell before returning to England with Crewe Alexandra last October and ending up at League Two rivals Morecambe. “I’m heartbroken, he was a great lad,” Flanagan, who is now back managing Brentwood for a second spell having taken charge at Concord Rangers and Dartford, told The NLP. “His passing has really affected me, not least because it’s come as a complete shock, and at such a young age.
Humble
“Christian was the baby of the group at Brentwood but was very humble and very mature for his age. You don’t just make lads captain at 18 if you don’t think they can shoulder the responsibility.
“It became obvious early that Christian could go on to play at a higher level and influence people with his performances so it was pleasing for everyone that he went on to live out his dream of playing professionally.
“For one reason or another – and he struggled with injuries – he couldn’t quite settle when he left Millwall but I followed his career closely and firmly believe that with a good, injury-free run Christian would have been playing back at that level, or higher.
“Neil Harris and Christian’s agent Dom Yarwood have both taken time out to message to send their condolences to me and everyone at Brentwood. That showed true class and just what Christian meant to people. It’s a very sad loss.”
Barnet striker Alfie Pavey was Mbulu’s friend and teammate from their days at Millwall.
He tweeted: “Today we lost a friend who brought so much light onto people’s life, a guy who would go to war for any of his teammates, a friend anyone could ask for. I am sending my love & support to your family at this difficult time. You will be missed my friend RIP brother, love ya #Mbulu.”